Ilchester is defined as a Rural Centre, and Policy SS1 defines this as “those market
towns with a local service role where provision for development will be made that meets
local housing need, extends local services and supports economic activity appropriate to the scale of the settlement”. The proposed Troubridge Park development goes way beyond meeting the Ilchester housing need, will not add to local services, except perhaps for the garage services, and will add little to our economic activity. These houses are on the Yeovil/Somerton/Street commuter belt. Residents will spend their money elsewhere. And we know, from the existing housing estate at Troubridge Park, Broadsword and Taranto Hill, there are residents, who do not integrate into the village activities. Any further development beyond the current planned 150 houses could completely isolate the core village and result in a deterioration of not just the Community but perhaps the basic fabric itself.