A RETIRED Ilminster haulier's fresh plans for a housing development on his old business site received a boost last night (Tuesday, July 3).

Ilminster Town Council's planning committee backed Mike Henly's scheme for 16 homes on the site of his former Henly Haulage depot in Winterhay Lane, despite fears it could ruin the street scene.

Mr Henly withdrew an earlier scheme for 17 homes in February after town councillors felt it constituted over development, was out-of-character with the area and would break the building line.

At Tuesday's meeting, Cllr David Miller claimed only over development had been addressed.

He said: "I do not believe this would be anything like in conformity with what's there. I can see similar developments to this going on and I can see it totally changing the area.

"I don't believe we should have housing that fronts on to the street."

But town clerk Steve Fisher told members: "The district council planning officer's observation was that it would be difficult to develop the site at all if we insisted on the building line being adhered to.

"The officer also felt the reduction of just one property reduced the effect on neighbouring houses."

Earlier, Mr Henly told councillors there was an established need for affordable homes in Ilminster, particularly for young families.

He said: "We think this is a development which would improve the quality of life of people living near it."

Councillors backed the scheme - which is for ten houses and a two-storey block of six apartments - on condition a planning officer shares Mr Henly's view that it does not constitute over development.

South Somerset District Council will now determine the scheme.

You can view details of the scheme by clicking on the link below and then typing in planning application number 07/02772/OUT.

Have YOUR say! Just fill in the Comment form below or click here to join our interactive Forums