PLANNED development of nine new houses in the Ridge in Yate has been scrapped after opposition.

The plans by Southwestern Housing Society were due to demolish garages around the estate, some of which had been owned by residents for over 40 years, and replace them with homes.

However people living on the estate rejected the proposals by the association, with one Roxanne Pollard, even stating she 'may have to consider moving' if the plans went ahead.

Councillors John Gawn and Ruth Davis, were also in opposition of the plans.

Cllr Gawn, chairman of the planning & transportation committee said "This is wonderful news, this shows with support of local councillors a determined group of residents have prevented a senseless development."

The society released a statement regarding the proposed plans, explaining that "The proposals are looking to build nine new houses on the sites of - garages that are not generally fit for purpose."

Developers described the garages as 'unsightly, underused and poorly maintained’.

Comments from the developers drew criticism from residents, who claimed that they had not been correctly notified of the proposed developments. Only one house received a message from Southwestern regarding the changes.

Cllr Ruth Davis urged further proposed developments on the site to be 'discussed with residents'.

"We were surprised that the developer (in this case a Housing Association) did not consult with local representatives and neighbours before putting in a planning application in the first place," she said.

"We are always happy to speak with developers to pre-empt any issues that perhaps they don’t have local knowledge of. Whilst we are of course pleased to hear that the application has been withdrawn, we will be keeping a watching brief on the situation should another application be submitted but strongly urge any developers to engage with the community up front”

Southwestern Housing Association has been contacted and will provide reasons for the withdrawal of the plans.