by Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby.

CHARD residents are being asked their views on proposals for 230 new homes on the eastern edge of town.

Gladman Developments has launched a consultation on plans for the development north of the A30 Crewkerne Road, within the Chard Eastern Development Area (CEDA).

The Congleton-based developer believes it can meet Chard’s growing need for housing and help to deliver part of a vital relief road to ease town centre traffic.

An outline planning application is expected to be submitted to South Somerset District Council before Christmas.

The site is east of Oaklands Avenue and bordered on its northern side by Avishayes Road and the Oakwood housing scheme recently completed by Morrish Homes.

Access would be via the A30, with a new junction being created a few hundred yards from the planned access to a new research and development facility for Numatic, plans for which were approved in November 2019.

Of the 230 homes, 81 will be affordable, meeting the council’s target of 35 per cent affordable housing for new schemes of ten homes or more.

The site is allocated within the council’s local plan, which is currently under review, to provide housing and a section of the eastern relief road (ERR), which is designed to link the two ends of the A358 via the A30 to take pressure off the convent link junction in the town centre.

Gladman has argued this site represents “a logical continuation of the settlement’s historic growth pattern” and would provide a section of the ERR.

A spokesperson said: “The site will provide an arterial road through the site, helping the continued development of Chard, and will have dedicated separate infrastructure for walking and cycling.

“The development will include new areas of publicly accessible green space. These open areas will include new tree and hedgerow planting, footpaths and cycling routes.

“Links to the existing public rights of way will help to connect the new development to the existing settlement and the surrounding landscape.

“Our scheme will contribute to building a strong and competitive local economy, supporting growth and job opportunities in Chard throughout the build period of the site for those seeking employment in construction and beyond.”

The developer has pledged financial contributions towards local services such as schools and doctors’ surgeries.

To have your say on the proposals, visit www.your-views.co.uk/chard.