THE deadline has now closed for members of the public to submit comments on the Sharpness Docks Estate development which features 300 houses.

Initially expected at the end of 2015, delays to environmental impact assessments pushed back the submission of an application to April 3rd.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) held its final consultation event on Tuesday, February 28 at Sharpness Village Hall.

Two new marinas would be built as part of the CRT’s tourism plans for the island part of the site which would also see eco-lodges and ‘pleasure grounds’ developed.

The plans were well-received at the consultation however concerns remained about plans for access to the site via the already crowded Oldminster Road.

Berkeley Town Councillor Liz Ashton lodged her objection on the online planning page, she stated: “The concerns of local residents regarding the suitability of Oldminster Road as an access for the development have been completely ignored.

"If the plans are allowed to go ahead, the additional residential and tourist traffic will completely blight the lives of Oldminster Road residents.”

She, along with other residents - 22 of which lodged objections online - emphasised the potential risk that the development could harm wildlife and obscure the tranquility of the area.

A survey conducted by a local couple in 2015 asked 77 people for their opinion on the development and 80 per cent were against the proposal.

James Lazarus, Canal & River Trust head of property development, said: “We hope the development will bring new opportunities, activities and jobs to the area.”

To see the plans in full visit the Stroud District Council planning site and search S.17/0798/OUT.