Plans for a new traveller site at Porchestall Drove in Glastonbury have stirred significant local debate.

The project is part of the town's broader £23.6 million regeneration scheme, financed through the government's Towns Fund—a boon for Glastonbury, one of only two towns in Somerset to secure such funding.

The Enabling Project, as it is known, seeks to create up to 40 accommodation pitches on the western edge of town, with 19 designated for permanent residency and 21 for temporary stays.

These pitches will be complemented by essential facilities including electricity, water, and eight amenity buildings offering showers and washing facilities.

But the proposal, which is awaiting a decision on its outline planning application from Somerset Council, has not been met without reservations.

Environmental concerns and noise pollution are at the forefront of objections raised by local stakeholders.

At a recent Glastonbury Town Council Planning Committee meeting, residents highlighted the area's susceptibility to flooding and the intrusive noise from nearby industrial activities, questioning the suitability of the site for residential development.

While Glastonbury Town Council recognised its conflict of interest due to its involvement in the Town Deal and refrained from making a formal recommendation, the council did express concerns about the project's potential impact on the existing flood management systems.

This project is critical not just for housing but also for facilitating other developmental initiatives within the Beckery area, such as the regeneration of Baily's Buildings, the establishment of a Glastonbury enterprise and innovation hub, and the installation of solar panels under the Glastonbury Clean Energy Project.

Mott McDonald, representing Somerset Council, said: "There are up to 300 people living in non-bricks and mortar dwellings, including roadside and caravan dwellers – all in non-regularised areas which creates social, health, traffic congestion and economic challenges for a small town."

The project's total cost is estimated at £3.28 million, with £1.46 million coming from the Town Deal and the remainder from other sources.

A formal planning application for the travellers' site is expected later this summer and if approved, construction could get underway before the end of the year.