A CHARD doctor has warned that health services will not cope if a 450-home development is built on the outskirts of town.

Dr John Beaven, of the Essex House Medical Centre in Fore Street, has told the News he feels there would be nothing but problems if the controversial MacTaggart & Mickel proposals to build on farmland between Crimchard and Cuttiford’s Door were given the go-ahead.

He said the health service was under “great strain” locally and would not be able to cope with the extra demand, and that local hospitals had been extremely busy over the summer with things expected to become even busier in the winter.

Dr Beaven felt there was little demand for extra jobs in Chard with local unemployment already low.

The plans, which include proposals for a new home for Chard Town Football Club, have been met with a wave of criticism from local people.

Dr Beaven feels the developers should be “congratulated” for offering land for new sporting facilities, but doubts whether they are needed.

“As a club which had all of 120 supporters see them play in an FA Cup match recently it seems hardly sustainable that a large area of agricultural land is to be destroyed so Chard Town can have another pitch to play on before so few supporters,” he said.

No formal proposals have yet been submitted to South Somerset District Council, but Dr Beaven is adamant that they should be rejected soundly when the opportunity arises.

His other concerns include the impact on the environment, public footpaths and traffic.

A Mactaggart & Mickel spokesman told the News last week there were no updates on its plans for Chard.

The company is considering feedback from a public exhibition in July.

Chard Town FC director Mike Hone has said sporting facilities would be for the whole community, rather than just the club.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, developing much needed sport and recreation facilities for players, club members and the wider community,” he said.