THERE are plans for 50 homes in a village near Ilminster.

Galion Ltd have submitted a planning application to build on the land north of Broadway Hill.

The plans include three affordable one-bedroom bungalows and nine affordable houses. As well as seven first time buyer homes for resident's with a local connection. There are also 31 other open market properties.

Access to the site will be from Broadway Hill.

The application states: "The access from Broadway Hill was preferable to an access off Forest Hill Lane as it avoids traffic associated with the development from entering the village.

"To improve connectivity to the village hall, a footpath is to be created through the site from the existing access off Pound Road through to the new site entrance.

"The footpath will be lit for safety following discussions with the Crime Prevention Unit."

Chard & Ilminster News: PLANS: 50 homes in Broadway. Pic: Galion Limited

However, there are currently 24 objections to the plans - with many residents saying 50 houses is "too many".

They say an increase in people will have a strain on the school, doctors surgery, the shop and so on already in the village.

One resident said: "The villages of Horton and Broadway already have developments approved and awaiting construction.

"There is no proven need for more housing.

"This is evidenced by recent housing needs surveys, and lack of take up for low-cost housing in Horton.

"There is no supporting infrastructure in the area, the school is not available to locals, the Post Office and two public houses are the only local retailers.

"Houses will mean cars, which will mean more congestion, will mean pollution, will mean more noise."

Parking and an increase in traffic is also a concern for local residents, with many saying these issues will get worse with 50 new homes.

Another resident added: "In Broadway road there is considerable access and parking problem around school arrivals and departures as certain properties have to park their cars on the road.

"Capacity levels for services for an overall increase in population of potentially 400-500 people and in the region of over 100 vehicles, especially in Broadway's very narrow road and a single track lane, appears to be madness."

To view and comment on the planning application visit South Somerset District Council's (SSDC) website and use the reference 20/03277/FUL.

The application will now go before SSDC who will have the final decision.