DEMANDS have been made by councillors for a £117,000 financial contribution to stay in Charfield following approval of a new 64-home development in the village.

The proposals for the site on Day House Leaze field, which were unanimously approved by a South Gloucestershire Council planning committee last Thursday, would see the developer contribute the money as an offsite sports contribution, designed to benefit the community.

The site, which will also feature open spaces and room for allotments, had previously been declined permission for the development of 31 residences and a 60-bed dementia care home in January 2014, with a later appeal also rejected.

But, with this application looking almost certain to go through, councillors representing the village argued for the committee to confirm they would receive the money.

It was argued that the circumstances that saw £220,000 of windfall from two developments in the village being given to Wotton Community Sports Foundation, rather than being awarded to a project in the village, was unfair.

During the meeting, Charfield ward councillor John O’Neill urged committee members to ensure the funds would be kept within the village in order to benefit the growing community.

Supporting the argument, the committee and placed a condition on the approval that the developer should establish a residents liaison group which would include themselves, the parish council and residents, with the focus on ensuring the site is of benefit to the community.

After the meeting, Cllr O’Neill said: “It was a true disappointment not to have the money last time. When people found out the money would benefit Wotton, rather than our village, they were quite frustrated.

“We took the pain, while someone else took the gain and I wanted to make sure that money wasn’t going to leave Charfield again.

“The money should serve the people in the parish, especially as the community will be growing with the new development.”

He continued: “We wouldn’t not have been able to get a refusal at the meeting, and so the aim is just to try and do the best for everyone in the community.

“We are looking forward to working together with the developer and community in the residents’ liaison group.

“The new development is quite central to the village, and the group can work together to tell people what is going on and what to expect.”

Simon Steele-Perkins, speaking on behalf of the applicant Waddeton Park Ltd, said: “We are very happy to say that the £117,000 contribution will be directed towards the improvement of facilities in the parish of Charfield.

“The development will bring new affordable housing to the area, which we know is needed. It is well situated in the heart of the village, close to the school and local services.

 “We are looking forward to being involved in the residents’ liaison group as it will make sure the local community will be heavily involved in the planning process.

“That forum will give the residents the ability to engage with us and have their voices heard.”