TAUNTON residents have accused a housing developer of misleading them over plans to build a new play area where a community orchard was promised.

Summerfield Developments is currently constructing the second phase of the Killams Park development in the south of the town, which will deliver a total of 315 new homes.

As part of the outline planning permission, which was granted in December 2013, a new community orchard was to have been created at the northern end of the site, between Beech Row and the Stockwell Stream.

But the developer has now applied to build a large play area there instead, arguing it will be easier to maintain – prompting a backlash from existing and neighbouring residents.

The play area in question is known as a neighbourhood equipped area of play (NEAP), and is designed to cater for children between the ages of four and 14.

The site could also include a multi use games area (MUGA), allowing ball games such as football and basketball to be played all year round.

More than 50 local residents have signed a petition to the Summerfield board of directors, arguing they had been “misled” by the developer when they purchased their houses.

They said: “The majority of homeowners reserved, exchanged and completed their contracts with Summerfield in good faith before the positioning of the NEAP and MUGA had been decided.

“We were not notified of any of the changes or alterations which would clearly affect the visual outlook and future saleability of our homes.

“We feel that the old play area located within the old Killams Park development would be greatly benefited from this money instead.”

The existing play area lies to the east of the Blackbrook stream, and is accessible from the new Killams Park development via a footpath.

In addition to the petition, numerous individuals have spoken out in separate statements published on the district council’s planning portal.

Kathryn O’Brien said: “Although my house does not directly overlook the proposed site, I feel the proximity is too close to the houses.

“I will be affected by the increased noise and traffic this area will create and there are not enough parking facilities to cope with this.

“When buying my house in 2020, I was told on several occasions that this would be an orchard, and that within five years, when the trees had matured, even the Wyvern Club would not be visible.

“My understanding was that Summerfield had a commitment to plant and upkeep a certain number of trees and provide open space, and I don’t feel this proposal fits that commitment.”

Colin Beck, who lives on Fields End, added: “The play area and MUGA will attract older children, which there are not many of, in the area as it is mainly young families with infants, and no doubt this will make residents and young children intimidated.

“There is likely to be a large increase in litter to the area affecting wildlife, dilapidations on play equipment due to vandalism, and there is likely to be an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime.

“There is also a large and very lengthy water course running along the boundary of the park. The younger children are in great danger of falling onto the Blackbrook Stream and drowning.”

Sarah Pimperton, who lives on Stansell Road within the estate, suggested a smaller play area (known as a LEAP) could be provided as a compromise.

She said: “This would reduce the environment impact and allow for some integration between what house buyers were sold and what children in our own community require.

“It’s unethical for maintenance costs to be picked up by residents, given they were not informed at the time of purchase about the play area’s financial commitment and locality.”

Summerfield Developments said that proposals for a NEAP had been included within its master-plan for phase two of the Killams Park development

A spokesman added there had been discussions with planning officers and “no issues had been raised” on a legal level.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is expected to make a final decision on the play area plans later in the year.