DOZENS of people have now objected to plans to build 24 houses in Coaley.

When the Gazette first reported on the controversial proposal three weeks ago, 13 people had registered their objections with Stroud District Council – but since then the total has climbed to more than 70.

Bayhill Properties’ application for land near Betworthy Farm has been opposed by the National Trust, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

The housing estate would be visible from Coaley Peak, which sits 1km away and is one of the most popular viewpoints in the county, while the land in question is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

On top of this, the 70-home development underway at Box Road and the 450-home scheme in north east Cam which has been given outline planning permission, would also be visible from Coaley Peak.

Mark Funnell, south west planning advisor for the National Trust, said: “The National Trust has a statutory duty to promote the conservation of places of historical interest and natural beauty.

"At present the planning application does not appear to consider the impact of the proposed developments on views from Coaley Peak, along with impacts on the setting of the Cotswolds AONB.”

Bayhill said the Coaley development would meet a need for more affordable housing, with a recent survey finding that 12 were required in the area.

Among the reasons for objecting are flooding fears.

Resident Tracy Walker said: “I have lived in Coaley for 23 years and there are always drains overflowing after heavy or prolonged rain.

"The mains drainage system is already at capacity – 24 further households would be an additional load which the current system may not cope with.”

Guy Woodisse, the managing director of Bayhill Properties, said these issues would be addressed.

“We’re continuing to manage all the concerns that have been registered,” he said. “We are in discussion with Severn Trent water to improve the current drainage and to prevent risk of further drainage issues.”

SDC is expected to make a decision on the Coaley development early next year.