A CAMPAIGN has been launched against proposals for a housing development which would see Chipping Sodbury nearly double in size.

The protest is over preliminary plans for 1,000 new homes and a business park to the east of the town on St John’s Way.

Northavon MP Steve Webb said the development was ‘totally inappropriate’ for Chipping Sodbury.

He added: "House building on this scale will have a devastating effect on the local community and the local environment.

"Residents already suffer problems with flooding and this development would make matters much worse. Local roads cannot cope with the strain of at least 1,000 more cars and in the absence of a decent public transport system there will be gridlock on roads through Yate and Sodbury."

Maximus Strategic Land Ltd, based in Worcester, has put forward the proposals which are now being considered for inclusion in South Gloucestershire Council’s core strategy. The site is one of six in Yate and Chipping Sodbury which are being examined for possible development following a Government directive to build 3,000 new homes across the two towns by 2026.

A Waitrose supermarket and 195 homes at Barnhill Quarry in Chipping Sodbury town centre, 250 new homes between Peg Hill and Gravel Road North, an undisclosed number of homes north of Brimsham Park towards Tanhouse Lane and a development on 20 hectares of land at Engine Common are also being discussed.

Mark Fox, a partner at consultancy firm Pegasus Planning Group which is acting on behalf of Maximus, said the ageing population in Chipping Sodbury meant there was an urgent need for more homes.

He said: "The population is increasing in this area and it needs more houses which meet the needs of Sodbury and Yate. If there is inadequate growth, Sodbury itself will start going backwards."

He added: "We want to come up with something that respects Sodbury and we want to work with town councils, South Gloucestershire Council and other agencies.

"This is a preliminary concept. We are not going to make a planning application for a site the council has not accepted for development."

The expansion project would include family homes, a percentage of affordable housing and an extra care village for the elderly. There would also be a 9.5 hectare business centre, shops, a doctor’s surgery and a new primary school if required.

However, town councillors say the land along St John’s Way is worth cherishing.

Cllr Adrian Rush said: "A housing site of this size and scale will have a disastrous impact on the stunning landscape surrounding Chipping Sodbury. "The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a place of abundant wildlife and striking scenery, is cherished by local communities.

"As well as ruining the current views for Chipping Sodbury residents, the housing site would be taken close to the edge of the Cotswold Hills, scarring the landscape and creating an eyesore for those trying to enjoy its walks across the Cotswold Way."

District councillor Linda Boon (Lib Dem, Chipping Sodbury) said: "The environmental impact of the new development is particularly serious and could have catastrophic consequences for current residents by exacerbating the already serious problem of flooding in the area.

"The project is unsustainable and would dwarf the existing town and local community."

Mr Webb said anyone who wished to be kept informed about the campaign should email housing@stevewebb.org.uk with their details.