REVISED plans to build more than 300 homes on the edge of Chard have been “strongly rejected” by the town council.

The application was first submitted by Persimmon Homes in July 2016 and after being rejected, it returned in May 2017 only to be rejected again.

Now, Persimmon has submitted the plans again with some amendments.

Although the application site, between Tatworth Road and Forton Road, is not technically within the Chard parish, it does border it so the town council was able to comment.

As well as concerns about flooding from the site, around 15 Chard residents were in attendance to voice concerns over traffic, road layout and size of development.

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Cllr Irene Glynn said: “I am still of the opinion that the improvements are cosmetic.

“Andrew Gunn (the South Somerset District Council planning officer) has also asked for a further traffic assessment on Tatworth Road to try and see the impact for that being a single entrance.

“I am no Highways expert but I should imagine there will be a huge amount of congestion, even if they only build the first 100 homes.

“The concerns about layout and the impact on Chard because of the local amenities remain. All our arguments remain. I very strongly suggest we reject these plans.

“I know that Highways have said the impact on Chard would not be severe. I would like to see some justification.”

Cllr Martin Carnell added: “I am still not convinced we have got the infrastructure in place in Chard to deal with potentially 1,200 more people.

“Yes, we need houses, but we need school places and doctors, too.”

Cllr Shortland, Mayor of Chard, said: “There would be vehicles reversing on to the main road. It is not acceptable.

“Previous applications have been turned down for having drives where you need to go back on to the main road.

“The traffic going on to Grange Park, whether or not you have the Forton Road entrance, is just going to be far too much.

“It will just grind Chard to a halt.”

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said: “As a developer we are determined to help meet the UK’s housing requirements and as such we have included affordable housing, homes for first time buyers and families in our scheme.

“The decision is in the hands of the planning authority, and the planning process is the appropriate forum for the public and interested parties to make their views known.”

The application is set to be discussed by South Somerset District Council’s Area west committee on April 18, at Chard’s Guildhall.