CONCERNS that developers are being handed ‘carte blanche’ to build wherever they like have been voiced, after schemes which will collectively deliver 170 homes were approved.

Gladman Developments cited South Gloucestershire Council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply – proving it can keep pace with demand for properties – as the first reason why its 90-home scheme south of Horwood Lane in Wickwar is needed.

A separate development of 80 homes in a nearby field was approved last year but villagers say the roads and school will be unable to cope.

Representing the applicant, Adam Day told a development control committee meeting: “South Gloucestershire Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and there is continued pressure on housing demand.

“There’s a significant need for new homes. It will deliver significant levels of open space, more than the requirements set by local policy.”

He said the developer will make financial contributions for outdoor sport equipment, a new bus stop, infrastructure and to get students to secondary schools.

Supporting the application, former Wickwar resident John Hawkins said he wanted to move back to the village from Yate and the new homes would be ‘perfect’ for families like his who want the benefits of the countryside.

“We have to go to more areas of South Gloucestershire, which isn’t what living in South Gloucestershire is about,” he added.

Under the proposals, less than half of the 5.63-hectare plot would be built up, with 3.26 hectares used for public open space, a children’s play area and allotments. Gladman Developments said this would mitigate the impact on the Cotswolds AONB.

It said in its application the homes would be a positive addition to Wickwar and deliver market and 32 affordable homes.

The application attracted 243 objections, including from Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, who said in his submission: “Approval has already been granted for 80 new homes in the area, which already constitutes a substantial amount of new houses for a village like Wickwar.

“The erection of a further 90 dwellings close to this site would only increase the burden on the village and infrastructure.”

Representing Wickwar Parish Council and other objectors, Colin Maidment said the combined effect of 170 new homes would be that the village swells by 30 per cent, without the necessary infrastructure.

He added: “The school simply can’t keep up with the additional needs of the first development, let alone this one.

“The road is dangerous and there’s no plan to improve the infrastructure.

“There’s no benefit to the community.”

A planning officer told members the primary school had capacity for 315 pupils but there currently only 210 places – and a council assessment found that 30 are expected to be free by 2021 as demand is shrinking. The recent developments are expected to generate 64 pupils, he said.

Ward councillor Marian Lewis said:”The addition of a further 90 houses will increase traffic even further.

“A new bus stop doesn’t equate to more buses. The access route is still dangerous. This shouldn’t be allowed without serious investment in traffic calming measures.

“This development is a step too far for the village.

“It will make life very difficult and less safe for residents of this once tranquil village.”

Councillor Mike Drew said: “I have a great problem with this. A developer could just stick a pin in a map, buy a field and put in planning permission, and we couldn’t refuse it.

“I’m pretty sure national policy doesn’t want that. If this field was in the constituency of the planning minister they would find reasons to refuse it.

“There seems to be a carte blanche to build anywhere.”

A planning officer told members: “We are unable to demonstrate a five-year land supply. Policies that would normally apply lose weight. There’s a presumption in favour of sustainable development.  

“Unfortunately, the development industry doesn’t wait for us to have documents such as the West of England Joint Spatial Plan [which could set housing levels].”

The application was approved by seven votes to six.