PROTESTERS attended a site inspection in Wickwar to object to plans for a new housing development in the village.

Members of South Gloucestershire Council’s development control committee were met by a group of residents on a visit to Horwood Lane on Friday, March 23.

The committee members were visiting the site to consider its suitability for a development of up to 90 residential dwellings.

Campaigners told the committee that they objected to the proposed site, as it is just across the road from another 90 dwelling development, on Pincots Lane, for which outline planning permission has already been granted. 

Wickwar parish councillor, Colin Maidment, representing the objectors, said that one of their main concerns was the lack of supporting infrastructure in the area, such as roads, schools, public transport, shops and amenities.

He said: “It is recognised that Wickwar is geographically isolated and that there is a poor state of public transport in the area.

"This development if approved on top of the recent outline planning permission for a large development will result in a high volume of extra vehicles on an already crowded B Road through Wickwar which is designated as a conservation area.”

Wickwar resident Birgit Galloway said: “The only houses Wickwar needs are affordable homes.”

South Gloucestershire councillor Marian Lewis said: “The addition of a further 90 houses will clearly increase the traffic on the Sodbury Road, by at least 180 cars. 

“This project is a step too far for the village of Wickwar, and it should be rejected.”

However, former Wickwar resident John Hawkins said that he welcomed the development, as he wanted to find a home in the village for his young family, but at present was unable to do so.

A spokesman for Gladman Developments said: “We anticipate that the application will be going to committee on May 3. 

“We don’t know what recommendations the case officer will be putting forward, but we imagine that it will be on the basis of a recognised housing need in the area.

"We’re hoping for a policy of recommendation.”