A public meeting will be held this week to discuss revised plans for a housing development on the former Greencore site in Evercreech.

The meeting is being organised by local councillor and deputy leader of Mendip District Council, Barry O'Leary, as the site is in his ward.

It will take place virtually via Zoom at 6pm on Wednesday (April 21) and participants are asked to register in advance.

Food manufacturer Greencore closed its factory on Prestleigh Road, Evercreech, in October 2018 with the loss of around 400 jobs.

Bristol-based firm West Estates Development Ltd submitted outline plans to build up to 129 new homes on the site – plans which Mr O'Leary said would create "a stranded urban island in a rural village".

Amended plans were put forward last month which would see the former Kemps Mill within the site retained for either employment or communal purposes, with the proposed number of homes being reduced.

The developer met with council representatives in November 2020, with a number of possible changes to the proposals being discussed – including the retention of Kemps Mill and the Creamery buildings, and providing more employment and community facilities within the site.

Under the new proposals, the number of homes planned for the site has been reduced from 129 to 106 – of which 32 will be affordable.

The Kemps Mill building – which dates back to the 1860s – would be retained and renovated to provide either a community venue (such as a village hall) or employment units, with 30 new parking spaces being provided nearby.

Mr O'Leary said: "As many of you will know West Estates have submitted amended plans for the factory site.

"We all agree this site is a vital importance to our community. I think it's really critical that we all have a say in what's going to happen there.

"Our previous actions saved part of the heritage buildings, but there is still a lot more work to be done.

"I'm determined we end up with a mixed use development, that will provide eco-homes, address traffic issues, give community facilities, as well as provide an employment site for this village.

"We cannot have this site sit idle, it must be a resource for all our community, with eco homes, facilities, and employment too.

"This will be an important village meeting as this site is key to keeping our village sustainable and developing services and facilities for us all to use.

"Please do come along it will be vital that the owners hear your views and take account of your needs."

You can register for the virtual meeting HERE.