TOWN councillors have written to object to plans to build 150 new homes on a Green Belt site in Mangotsfield.
The objection from Emersons Green Town Council’s planning committee is one of 32 comments which had been made on the plans as the Voice went to print: just one was in favour.
Landowner Taylor Wimpey wants to build on the site between Cossham Street and Rodway Hill Road, next to Mangotsfield United FC, Cleve Rugby Club and Mangotsfield School.
It has previously had plans for 180 homes there refused by South Gloucestershire Council because of its Green Belt status.
But the land is earmarked as a possible development site on the council’s latest Local Plan, which is due to go out for a final consultation soon.
Taylor Wimpey claims there are “very special circumstances” which justify approving the development now. It say it will bring “significant public benefits”, limited harm to the Green Belt, and is a “sustainable location”.
The town council has echoed the views of many residents commenting on the plans, saying the sole proposed access road onto Cossham Street is “inadequate to handle the expected volume of traffic”.
The councillors said: “As a ‘B’ road, it already struggles with the current traffic flow, particularly due to its proximity to local amenities. Furthermore, the access road is situated near an already heavily-used football ground, exacerbating safety and traffic concerns.”
The town council said the lack of a “designated pedestrian footpath” poses significant safety risks for children walking through the development to reach Mangotsfield School.
They added: “The development would result in the loss of valuable green space, negatively affecting local wildlife and reducing biodiversity in the area.”
Most of the other objections cite the potential for “traffic chaos” on Cossham Street if it provides the only road access to the development, with residents writing that it is already “unable to cope” at rush hour. One described the proposed access as a “bad joke”.
Adverse effects on wildlife, and strain on schools and surgeries were also raised by opponents.
The one letter of support says the development could have “numerous benefits, both immediate and long-term, for the community, local economy, and overall development of the region”, including increased economic activity, increased availability of homes and a growing community.
The plans can be viewed by searching for application P24/02685/O on the council’s planning website.
• South Gloucestershire Council is set to start its final phase of public consultation on its next Local Plan at the end of February.
Campaigners say the council will need to find space for nearly 6,000 extra homes to meet new mandatory government targets, an increase of 29%.