LOCALS have voiced their opinions on the approved plans to redevelop the former Yeo Valley complex in the Mendip Hills.

Yeo Valley Farm and Holt Farms Ltd. applied in August 2018 for outline permission to build up to 100 new homes on their former storage facility off the A371 Axbridge Road in Cheddar, along with a care home, business units and a nursery.

Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee voted to approve the plans in November 2020, despite concerns about the capacity of local schools and the impact on the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

However, the legal agreements surrounding the outline plans have only just been signed off by Somerset Council – meaning the development can finally start to move forward.

The site lies on the northern side of the A371 between Cheddar and Axbridge, and is surrounded on two sides by the Cheddar Woods Resort and Spa.

One resident voiced their concerns about the lack of schools, doctors and dentists in the area to be able to deal with the influx of people. Commenting on Facebook, one person said: "This is all very well keep building all these houses but where is the infrastructure to go with it? Schools bursting to full, doctors surgery with no appointments, one supermarket.

"You can’t keep building without thinking of the bigger picture, the road to Cheddar cannot hold this much traffic now let alone adding more traffic."

Another added: "I cannot believe this is still happening! It was bad enough with all the building that was going on and no thought for travel or schools, doctors or shops, when we lived in Axbridge. The well-being of the people who live in this areas already is definitely not being considered. It's crazy!"

One person said: "The roads are packed as are the schools, doctors, dentist and supermarket. Seems like a other quick win for the developers and to hell with locals."

One person countered: "I’m guessing the people opposed already own a home.

"As long as you are ok, then sod anyone else. Have you heard we’ve got a housing crisis?"

A spokesperson from Yeo Valley said: “Plans for our former warehouse site were approved back in 2020.  The site offers a range of opportunities for the local area and remains for sale.”