Opposition continues to mount over plans to build up to 250 homes off Oldway Road.
Earlier this year, Somerset Council turned down an application by Pegasus Planning Group for the 3.7-acre development on the Monument/southern side of the relief road.
The developers say they are planning to planning to appeal the decision – it must be submitted by next Friday, October 30th.
A community consultation they launched last month, asking for people’s views on changes made to the proposal, closes today (Friday).
Wellington Town Council says it will be seeking legal advice once the appeal is submitted while the Protect Wellington campaign group says has reiterated its determination to challenge the development.
A town council spokesperson said it wanted to determine how best to present its opposition.
“Options include seeking Rule 6 status, which would give the council the same status at the inquiry as Somerset Council and the developers, with a barrister presenting its case and able to cross examine witnesses.
“Alternatively, the council could participate as an interested party, submitting written comments and evidence and speaking at the inquiry.
“The town council’s Chief Executive (Dave Farrow) will be meeting representatives of Somerset Council’s Planning Department on November 3rd to discuss how best to defend the appeal, prior to a final decision being made by the council about which approach to take.”
Protest Wellington says that, when Somerset Council refused the application in April, it identified eight separate planning reasons for refusal.
The protest group believes it is essential all eight are fully addressed and scrutinised through the appeal process.
The campaign group has examined the material published by Pegasus ahead of its anticipated appeal and says the proposed changes focus principally on only three of the reasons for refusal – flooding and drainage, highway safety, and pedestrian and cycle connectivity.
Michael Pollak, on behalf of Protect Wellington, said: “We recognise that Pegasus is entitled to appeal, but the fact that changes are being proposed does not, in itself, resolve the fundamental planning objections to this development.”
“Our concern is that this is not simply a question of adjusting drainage arrangements or improving road crossings.
“It is about whether 250 homes should be built on open countryside beyond the A38, which has long provided a clear and defensible boundary to Wellington.”
Michael said the group was not opposed to housing development in Wellington.
“It supports appropriate development in suitable locations, particularly brownfield sites, alongside more affordable and social housing.
“However, new homes must be supported by adequate infrastructure and services and should not come at unnecessary cost to productive farmland, wildlife, the surrounding countryside or the town’s historic character.
“With Pegasus’s appeal deadline approaching on October 30th, Protect Wellington will continue working with Wellington Town Council and local residents to ensure the case against the development is properly represented and that the planning issues are rigorously examined.”