Villagers in Henstridge are celebrating after their 174-signature petition helped get a re-think on an unpopular traffic plan.

Residents called for South Somerset District Council and County Highways to divert HGVs away from their village.

The petition, started by Chairman of the A357 Group, Adrian Gaymer, said: “Currently the new housing development planned near Woodhayes comes with the condition of traffic lights in the High Street which we believe will cause traffic chaos and loss of parking.
“It would also create a rat run on those streets and lanes which are commonly used by families on their way to and from the school.

“We believe the money is better spent diverting the HGVs away from the High Street. This change would bring a safer environment for all, road users and pedestrians alike.”

Now developer David Wilson Homes has told the parish, district and county councils that it is willing to discuss options to ensure improved pedestrian safety on the village High Street.

Cllr Hayward Burt told the Henstridge Parish Council meeting on February 7 that this decision means that the developers will be working with the A357 Group, the parish council and the local authorities to agree a more practicable solution.

It follows pressure from the Henstridge A357 Group to reject a traffic light scheme that it argues is unworkable. The scheme was imposed by the Appeal Inspector in 2018 as a crucial condition for permission to build 130 houses on a greenfield site on the southern end of the village.

The Inspector’s aim was to provide a safe footway for pedestrians using the High Street, but it required traffic lights and the scheme was criticised by many local people who asked for it to be withdrawn.

Mr Gaymer said the developer had submitted a plan to divert construction traffic away from the village through Camp Road and Landshire Lane.

“There is now the real possibility of this route becoming the long-term solution,” said Mr Gaymer. “We look forward to working with the developers and local authorities and want to thank all those who supported our petition.”

By Faith Eckersall