PROPOSALS for a development on the outskirts of Taunton would turn a historic village into a theme park and dishonour Somerset's war dead, it is claimed.

Locals are angry at plans to build dozens of homes in Maidenbrook Country Park, at Cheddon Fitzpaine.

GF Enterprises has applied for permission to construct 70 homes in the park and a further 16 at Glebe Farm, claiming the scheme would be "a national benchmark for rural homes".

The project would also feature a natural world centre, restaurant, farm shop, observatory and open air theatre.

Villager Malcolm Lown said there was massive opposition at a public meeting to the scheme on land owned by Somerset West and Taunton Council.

"The land is for Somerset Wood and the main purpose of the fields is supposed to be a memorial to all those people in the county who died in the First World War," said Mr Lown.

"A tree is being planted for everyone who died in the war, but the developers want to turn it into a theme park with a few activities.

"The developers are talking about a farm shop and cafe - we've already got those nearby - a pond, a wildlife centre for kids, and an observatory, even thought there's light pollution in the area.

"There's a massive move against this because it would just ruin the area."

Dr John Scanlon said there is no local demand for more housing, particularly on "historic Grade I farmland in the green wedge" with links to Hestercombe.

"The amount of building they are planning is disproportionate to the park itself and the farm shop and restaurant are inappropriate," added Dr Scanlon

"All that housing would generate a lot of traffic on what is in effect a single track road around here that has problems with flooding.

"It's supposed to be a memorial park, but they want to turn it into a commercial site. It's disrespectful to the people who died in the First World War,

"It's completely out of keeping.

"It's basically four or five little estates around the village. The next move would be to fill in the joins. They want to destroy a lovely little village."

The planning application submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council outline plans for two-bedroom cottages; three bedroom two- and single-storey houses; and four- and five-bedroom houses.

READ MORE: Housing proposals at Maidenbrook Country Park.