A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for over 300 homes in Ilminster is being recommended for refusal as the Local Plan is expected to confirm that the land is not a development area.

Last week the News reported how an objection to the application for 330 homes in Shudrick Lane had been lifted.

Earlier this year, CG Fry’s plans to build the homes were suspended after the Highways Agency told South Somerset District Council to suspend it for six months while developers submitted more information.

The objection has now been lifted and developers said they were positive that other issues concerning flooding were being addressed.

But campaigners from the Save Shudrick Valley Group say developers still have major hurdles to get over and that the application is likely to be refused.

They say the district council’s Local Plan shows that the council’s preferred direction of growth for development is Canal Way and not Shud-rick Lane.

The inspector’s announcement on the Local Plan is now with the district council but embargoed until January 8 when it will be made public.

The Local Plan sets planning policies for the local authority area which are used to help decide planning applications.

The district council opted for Canal Way following recommendations by the inquiry inspector.

A letter on the application from the spatial planning unit says development at Shudrick Valley is not in accordance with the development plan and planning permission should be refused.

A spokesperson for Save Shudrick Valley Group said: “The South Somerset Local Plan inspector is due to announce that the direction of growth for Ilminster is in Canal Way where 330 homes are also planned. “There are also more than 200 homes planned or underway in the town.

“The Local Plan has already assessed the town’s housing needs and Ilminster doesn’t have the infrastructure for a sudden surge of 800 homes.

“We have evidence to show that the development will not significantly reduce the risk of flooding to properties downstream from the site.

“We have other issues with the application and will be raising the matter of the important five year housing land supply.”

South Somerset District Council said that the application will be determined in accordance with both the adopted and emerging policies set out in the council’s Local Plan.

A spokesperson added: “The council’s role is to balance the positives and negatives of the scheme and come to a decision, having considered all of the evidence.

“Recently, the council has received further information from the applicant which responds to comments raised during public consultation.

“This is being analysed and the application is expected to be considered by the Area West Planning Committee early in the New Year”.

The application will also be discussed by Ilminster Town Council on Monday, January 5.