Save the Blackdown Vale campaigner Colin Fisher said it was important for local people to continue lodging their objections to the proposed development as the Local Plan process rolls forward. Artist's impression of new town of 7,000 homes near Taunton Racecourse (Image: Taylor Wimpey)He said: "At a recent meeting, council planning officers indicated that 'new settlements' were not expected to form part of the next stage of the Local Plan. "Given that the Local Plan is intended to accommodate the government's housing target of around 75,000 homes across Somerset over the next 20 years, ten per cent would equate to approximately 7,500 homes. To take part in the Somerset Local Plan consultation, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/local-plan-scoping-consultation-2026/consultation. The new Local Plan is expected to be formally adopted on March 16, 2029.