Residents back campaign to fight house building

6:00am Thursday 6th March 2008

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ANXIOUS residents have thrown their weight behind a campaign to stop thousands of new homes being built in the area.

More than 300 people packed into a public meeting to resist plans for 5,000 new homes in Yate.

They watched campaign leader Northavon MP Steve Webb give a presentation on the house building proposals.

Mr Webb explained that an independent body working on behalf of the government was recommending 5,000 homes should be built in Yate as part of a 30,800 house building programme for South Gloucestershire by 2026.

He then introduced town Cllr Chris Willmore, who picked through the report before delivering a rousing rallying call for the campaign.

She predicted the housing would increase the town's population by a third which, she claimed, would put a strain on: - town highways - town sewerage and drainage system - public services including schools, hospitals and dentists - town's facilities including leisure centre and shopping centre She brought laughter from the packed audience when she explained the body's justifications for more housing in the town included adequate transport links.

She said: "This report claims Yate is well linked by public transport. It points out we have a bus station central to the town and a main railway station.

"But where are all these people coming to use the public transport going to park? Have the people behind this report even been to our town?"

Cllr Willmore went on to warn residents the homes could be built anywhere in the town.

She said: "To the independent body juggling thousands of homes in the South West, 5,000 homes is just small change but for us this is an enormous number."

After last Friday's meeting, held at Brimsham Green School, residents said they were shocked by the housing proposals.

Ian Mackereth, of Chipping Sodbury, said: "The number of houses they suggest should be built here is unfair on the town. I have added my name to the campaign to oppose it."

Roy Bishop, of Yate, added: "I think everyone I've spoken to is dead against the plans. If the whole of Yate writes in we may have a chance but I must admit I am sceptical."

The body's report is currently being considered by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears.

She is expected to publish a final draft of the panel's report in early spring, when there will be a final round of public consultation.