AMENDED plans to bring 400 new homes to Ilminster are being submitted by Persimmon South West.

Following a meeting with South Somerset District Council, developers are working on an amended plan for the site to the south of Canal Way.

The application originally came under criticism, including complaints that there were too many homes being forced into the available space, and that the single access to the site was not adequate.

When the site was recommended for refusal by the town council and Highways, Simon Perks, regional managing director of Persimmon Homes South West, said: “Following feedback from SSDC and residents, we are currently working on an amended plan.

“This development will create much-needed homes in Ilminster, as well as hundreds of jobs.”

The new plan sees the number of proposed homes reduced to 400, but still looks like there is only one access for vehicles, with a second access added for emergency vehicles.

A steep area of land has also been removed from the proposed development site and replaced with an alternative area adjacent to the football pitch which is set to be transferred to the council.

The road plans are now also set to include two zebra crossings.

The county council’s highways agency has withdrawn its recommendation for refusal, and said that the two crossings will need to be in place before either the first 25 dwellings are occupied, or before the proposed new school is in use.