Local Councillors, Paul Myers and Michael Evans launched a petition this week, supported by campaigners from across the Somer Valley, which will be presented to Parliament in a bid to tackle the wave of opportunistic developer-led housing developments in the local area.

"Broadly, the petition argues that whilst the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are worthy, its implementation has led to negative consequences that were not anticipated. When the Planning Committee of a Local Authority which has a draft Core Strategy refuses a planning application on strategic grounds, the application is often allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspector on the basis of non-strategic, site-by-site considerations," said Cllr Paul Myers.

As a result, the view is that unsustainable development in the Somer Valley is being approved on sites often remote from employment and transport infrastructure, in accordance with the priorities and interests of developers, rather than the carefully researched and democratically agreed plans of the Local Authority.

The petition calls on Parliament to do three things:

• Take the necessary steps to allow Planning Inspectors at appeal hearings to take into account and give great material weight to the cumulative effect of proposed developments; and

• Arrange to allow Planning Inspectors to interpret the sustainability principle in the NPPF on an area, rather than merely site specific basis; and

• Take the necessary steps to allow Planning Inspectors at appeal hearings to give weight to the strategic proposals of a draft Core Strategy while it is going through the lengthy approval process.

"In recent weeks, groups from around the Somer Valley have pledged to promote the petition, including campaigners from Peasedown St John, Paulton, Clutton and Westfield and we hope that many more from the other towns and villages will join the cause and collect signatures. Anyone wishing to sign should see petition forms appearing in shops across the area in the coming week," said Michael Evans.

Petition forms are available by ringing: 07530 042627.

The move comes this week as residents prepare to meet in Haydon on Wednesday to discuss proposals for 100 houses in the village, (see Page 4), with an appeal and planning application pending at Fosseway Gardens for 73 houses and consultations pending on 44 new homes on land off Northmead Road, 72 homes at Thicket Mead Farm and 26 south east of the A367 Midsomer Norton. Recent applications granted include over 100 homes at Charlton Park and a similar number at Monger Lane, granted on appeal. Peasedown St John are awaiting the outcome of an appeal for 89 homes in Greenlands Road in April.