RESUBMITTED plans for 215 new homes at Woodlands Farm in Coalpit Heath have been rejected.
Last Thursday, after a lengthy debate, South Gloucestershire's development control (east) planning committee refused, on a split vote, the Barratt Homes "Blackberry Park" outline application for the development on land at Woodlands Farm, Coalpit Heath.

Officers had recommended that it should be approved.
Local people have been campaigning to protect the site for many years. A previous application for nearly 400 homes on the site was refused in 2013.

Later, a planning inspector rejected an attempt to get the land allocated for housing in the Core Strategy, the plan setting out where new homes should be built in South Gloucestershire.

Local residents and councillors were at the meeting on Thursday to once again voice their objections. 
Local ward councillor Claire Young (Lib Dem, Westerleigh ward) spoke at the meeting.

Afterwards she said: “I am pleased that the planning committee listened to local people and that they can continue to enjoy this beautiful countryside, at least for now. 
"This site is no more suitable for housing than it was when the previous application was refused in 2013. The battle is not over however as the developers may well appeal.”