We, the undersigned, residents and business owners in Axbridge and the surrounding area, strongly object to the planning application made by Hannick Homes for 53 houses to be built on the site south of Houlgate Way, Axbridge (Planning application number: 02/16/00030).

The approval of the outline planning application on Monday 13th January by Sedgemoor District Council was a disgraceful decision that has completely ignored the objection from the community of Axbridge and its Town Council.

The application has been repeatedly opposed by Axbridge Town Council since it was registered in September 2016, and has received over 270 letters of objection from local residents and businesses during the consultation period.

The primary reasons for objection include (but are not limited to):

1. Insufficient transport and parking infrastructure in the town
2. Impact of increased demand on local services, such as the medical practice and school
3. Proximity of the planned new homes to an industrial chicken farm, whose odours will be a constant nuisance to the residents and could also lead to health problems
4. Loss of rural open space and far-reaching views in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with an adverse effect on wildlife, surrounding local businesses and the town's general appeal.

Letters of objection from the Town Council and residents can be read in full on the Sedgemoor planning portal.

Sedgemoor Council must not allow this development to proceed as planned. This petition is intended to show the level of objection that exists within the town and make it clear to SDC that this development is not wanted and should not have been granted outline approval.