A THORNBURY councillor has accused developers of exploiting the town’s “already stretched” infrastructure in bids to build new houses nearby.

Plans for a 31-home development in Tytherington are set to go on public display next week, with Cotswold Homes advertising them as having “good access to the market town of Thornbury” and highlighting the health care services there.

But the town’s health centre has long been criticised for lengthy waiting times and lacking the capacity to cater for Thornbury’s rapidly expanding population.

“It is just another example of how Thornbury is being targeted when our facilities are already stretched,” said town councillor Maggie Tyrrell.

She added: “This is a substantial development to a very small village. Putting 31 houses there means that you are probably talking about up to 60 more cars. If they are advertising for commuters who might come work in Thornbury, it will be an interesting dilemma for them when they realise the problems they could face with parking and long waits for healthcare.

“We have had a number of complaints recently from residents leaving the town in the morning that the traffic is getting substantially worse on the A38.”

A number of residents have also spoken out against the plans for the development near Duck Street, which would feature affordable homes and varied house sizes including bungalows.

Cotswold Homes said: “This non-greenbelt site represents an opportunity to assist South Gloucestershire Council in meeting local housing needs.”

An exhibition of the plans takes place at Tytherington Village Hall on Wednesday from 2.30pm to 7pm.

A spokesman for Cotswold Homes said: “As a locally-based developer we want to hear from the community before we finalise our plans for the development of this non-greenbelt site.

“Our project team will be on hand to answer questions and listen to feedback on what we have done so far.

“We are keen to speak to residents to ensure that we can incorporate their views as far as possible.”