Building more than 20 homes on the edge Shepton Mallet would lead to a "criminal" loss of green space and wildlife, according to local residents.

The Pegasus Planning Group has submitted plans to build 22 homes at the western end of Westhay Lane, at the southern edge of Shepton Mallet.

Locals have criticised the proposals, saying the homes are not in a sensible location and will lead to many local species being displaced or destroyed.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans in a matter of months.

Access to the planned development would be near the existing bend on Westhay Lane, with 48 parking spaces being provided throughout the site.

Of the 22 homes being proposed, seven will be affordable – narrowly exceeding the council's target of 30 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more.

A spokesman for the developer said: "The scheme at Westway Lane has been designed for the needs of its users and will be legible, safe and comfortable to use.

"Every effort has been made to retain existing wildlife habitats and where ground conditions allow. Sustainable urban drainage has been used to manage drainage outputs in a fashion that supports wildlife biodiversity and enhances amenities for the planned users of the development.

"The scheme will provide a mix of tenures sufficient to make it economically and socially successful in a location that allows ease of access to services and facilities."

Proposed Site Of 22 Homes On Westhay Lane In Shepton Mallet. CREDIT: Google Maps.

The site lies outside the settlement boundary of Shepton Mallet and is not allocated for housing in either the Local Plan Part I (which was approved in December 2014) or the Local Plan Part II (approved in December 2021.

Local resident Jacqueline Cheshire said the site was an "inappropriate position for houses" and warned the development would lead to the further destruction of Somerset wildlife.

She said: "Wildlife like owls and badgers' homes will be destroyed. It would be criminal to go ahead with this.

"It wouldn't stop there – they'd want to build on the next field until we have none left."

Sarah Kingsley added: "The development will harm the rural character and outlook of the area and will have a harmful urbanising impact.

"I also believe that the proposed development will potentially lead to further development of adjoining greenfield sites."

Shepton Mallet Town Council has also objected to the plans, with town clerk Paula Robertson criticising the "poor quality of design and impact on traffic generation", claiming the development was "out of keeping with the area" and the social housing would not be properly integrated.

The district council is expected to make a decision on the proposals by the end of the summer.