Residents of Chilcompton are fighting against a new housing development which could "harm the very fabric" of where they live.

Gladman Developments has applied for outline planning permission to build up to 95 new homes in the village.

The Congleton-based developer has argued the new homes would ease the housing crisis in the local area and would provide a sustainable extension to the village.

But the plans have attracted the ire of Chilcompton Against Rural Over-development (CARO), whose members argue it will put a huge strain on local services and make the village grow too quickly.

The new homes would be built on grazing land surrounded by Stockhill Road, Hoecraft Gardens and the B3356 Naish's Cross/ Road Road.

Access will be from a new junction onto Naish's Cross, with a children's play area being provided in the middle of the site and new woodland being planted at the south-eastern corner.

A spokesman said: "Mendip District Council is required to provide enough housing land to meet its full future housing needs. It is currently failing to do so.

"The aim is to design a high-quality development with a strong sense of place that responds well to its existing context, will stand the test of time and meet the needs of current and future generations.

"Up to 95 dwellings can be accommodated in this sustainable location, while remaining sympathetic to the existing setting of the site and providing a wealth of benefits for the community of Chilcompton."

The developer has not stated how many of the proposed homes would be affordable – a detail which may be clarified by a later reserved matters application if outline approval is granted.

CARO's members claim that this development would increase the village's size by ten per cent at a time when the local school is "over-subscribed" and the doctor's surgery is "full".

They also argue the new homes will increase congestion on the village's already narrow roads and could increase the risk of localised flooding.

Spokesman Rich Morgan, said: "This is a colossal plan that would really

harm the very fabric of Chilcompton.

"We want people to pick up their reddest pens and shout with their loudest voices."

Mr Morgan has compared the development to a separate Gladman application for 63 homes in Coleford, which was originally turned down by the council in August 2020.

The council's planning board refused to approve amended plans for the site in mid-March – but approval could be granted if an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate proves successful.

Mr Morgan added: "We really cannot afford to take the foot off the pedal. We need people to write in and object."

The council is expected to make a decision on the plans later in the year.