RESIDENTS are arming themselves with a petition to take on developers hoping to build a new estate in Shepton Mallet.
Deborah and Mark Robertson's bungalow backs on to fields at West Shepton where a proposal for 140 new homes is being suggested by national building firm Redrow.
People living nearby the land have already working together to collect signatures – starting at last weekend's Collett Day, said Deborah.
She said: "It was interesting to find many local people were not aware of these proposals, that they clearly did not want to lose their green belt land and were concerned Shepton Mallet was being overpopulated.
"We would like people to offer their support by highlighting this with their local councillor and attending the meeting held by Redrow at the Scout Hall, Shepton Mallet, for June 13 (today) between 1 and 6pm."
Meanwhile residents were able to learn more about a proposed solar farm on Monday evening.
Lightsource is currently assessing the viability of New Row Farm, at Downside, on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet, to site a 3.8 MW solar farm.
It is calculated that the site would generate enough clean, locally-produced electricity to power more than 1,000 households.
Lightsource spokeswoman Anna Billington said they were pleased with the public's response and that so many people took the opportunity to find out more.
"About 60 people attended in total, which was great," she said.
"The residents had been well informed before the event, through the distribution of information packs and the engagement of local press, and they felt that the community consultation process as a whole had been very positive."