Save Trull's
Green Wedge

Recent Objections

NHS Objection: The NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board has objected to the development, warning that it would overwhelm College Way Surgery (already at 134% capacity), putting patient safety at risk.

"The proposed development will put too much strain on the said health infrastructure, putting people at risk."

They warned of longer waiting times, poorer health outcomes, and a knock-on effect on emergency services.

Comments from NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board 07 Oct 2024

Highways Objection: Somerset Council Highways has also objected, stating the proposal fails to demonstrate safe and suitable access for vehicles and pedestrians. Their concerns include:

  • Unsafe road access and visibility issues on College Way
  • No safe walking or cycling routes
  • Increased congestion at already busy junctions
  • Failure to meet highway safety and accessibility standards

Comments from Highways 11 Mar 2025

Potential Objections

Somerset Council Education Authority has stated that the development is not acceptable in planning terms without a £1.76 million contribution toward early years, primary, secondary, and SEND provision.

  • "It is very unlikely that local providers would be able to meet the demand for early years places arising from the proposed development and further developments in the surrounding area..."
  • Orchard Grove Primary was not designed to accommodate pupils from this development.
  • Existing nearby schools cannot accommodate this without expansion.
  • The total contribution required £1,766,307.35.
  • This funding must be secured via a legal agreement (Section 106) and cannot be covered by CIL.

"The proposed development is not acceptable in planning terms without the requested education contribution."

Failure to secure this contribution could make the development unsupportable in its current form.

Comments from Somerset Council Education Authority 22nd May 2025

Somerset Wildlife Trust has raised serious concerns about the ecological impact of the proposed development:

  • The site supports protected and priority species including bats, badgers, dormice, reptiles, and hedgehogs.
  • The Trust warns it may object if key documents (such as biodiversity and construction plans) are not provided or made conditions of planning.
  • They stress that green spaces must support wildlife, not just recreation — calling for denser hedgerows, wildlife corridors, and improved drainage to aid biodiversity.
  • They note this site is not allocated in the Local Plan, giving the Council more flexibility to prioritise environmental protection.

"Without these core documents being available or their adequacy being a condition of planning we would hold an objection."

The Trust’s current stance is conditional, and failure to meet ecological standards could result in an official objection.

Comments from Somerset Wildlife Trust 25 Oct 2024

It has been proposed that a field within Trull, that is green wedge land is going to have 125+ houses built on it. This is in addition to the development of 2000 houses being built between Trull and Rumwell, and so there is great concern that this development within the village will put even greater strain on Trull itself. See the reasons below:

  1. Overwhelming local resources
    The development does not provide new schools or medical facilities. This means the current services, already under strain, will be overwhelmed by the influx of new residents, negatively impacting existing residents.
  2. Loss of village status
    This development threatens Trull's village status by creating a direct road linking Trull to Galmington and dramatically altering its character, turning the area into a more urbanized environment. This loss of separation between Trull and its neighboring areas is a serious risk to the village’s unique identity.
  3. Increase in traffic
    There will be a substantial increase in local traffic and congestion.
  4. Destruction of Green Wedge
    The field is part of the Green Wedge, which protects Trull from urban sprawl and supports wildlife. Deer, hedgehogs and foxes are frequently spotted in this field.
  5. Environmental Impact
    The field is Grade 2 agricultural land, which provides a healthy environment for wildlife and helps protect the rural character of Trull. This land is vital for local biodiversity but would be lost to housing.

Save Trull is a community initiative aimed at preserving the unique character and environment of our village. The proposed development of 125 new houses on Comeytrowe Road threatens to significantly impact our community. As residents, it's crucial we understand these potential changes and take action to protect our village.

Key Concerns

  • Loss of Green Wedge: This development will encroach on the Green Wedge, which currently acts as a buffer to protect Trull’s rural identity. The destruction of open farmland and habitats is a major concern for the local wildlife and the village's character.
  • Visual Impact: The visual impact on Trull will be dramatic, as outlined in the planning documents. The rural landscape will be replaced with rows of houses, drastically changing the village’s appearance.
  • Increased Traffic: With more than 125 homes, the development will add significant traffic to Comeytrowe Road and surrounding areas, contributing to congestion and making the village less safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Noise and Air Pollution: The Noise Assessment acknowledges the potential for increased noise from traffic. Alongside this, the Air Quality Report highlights the risk of increased pollution from cars, further degrading the quality of life for Trull residents.
  • Strain on Local Resources: The development does not provide new schools or medical facilities. This means the current services, already under strain, will be overwhelmed by the influx of new residents, negatively impacting existing residents.
  • Flood Risk Concerns: Although the site is designated as Flood Zone 1, the proposed SuDS drainage system may not fully prevent surface water issues, especially during heavy rain, increasing the risk of local flooding.
  • Threat to Village Status: One of the most significant concerns is the risk that Trull will lose its identity as a village. The proposed development would create a direct link between Trull and Galmington, leading to urban sprawl. This would erode the unique rural character of Trull, making it feel like an extension of the neighbouring urban areas, rather than a distinct village.

What can I do?

Voice your concern

The time has passed to be able to post your concerns against the Somerset West and Taunton planning portal. But you can read all the comments that have been left. The Application number is 42/24/0030.

Spread the word

It would still be useful to keep spreading the work by putting a poster in your window, chatting with a neighbour or leaving a message on the Community Group... anything to help make people aware.

Thanks for your help