CROWDS of residents explored plans for 150 new homes in Falfield and gave mixed reactions to the proposed development.


More than 140 people attended housebuilder Cotswold Homes’ exhibition on Wednesday, October 21, which gave the public the opportunity to discuss its early proposal for 150 new homes, a new village green and South Gloucestershire’s first Park & Share scheme.


The consultation event, which took place at The Gables Hotel in Bristol Road, offered residents the chance to speak with the development team, view site maps and an outline of the proposal.


While some welcomed the development, which would include 53 affordable homes, others raised concerns over increased traffic, potential flooding issues and the need for housing in the village.


Moorslade Lane resident Simon Pirie said: “It would bring a lot more traffic to the area which is already an issue during rush hour, on the busy A38.”


Fellow resident Sue Hicks said: “I’m very much against the development because it is outside the development boundary and not in the local plan – and not appropriate in the area with this amount of housing.


“Flooding is also an issue on fields in this area and I don’t think laying huge amounts of concrete down on the site will help at all. Even if there’s improved drainage systems, water will be pushed down onto other lands and houses.”


But Helen Price, who owns land in the area, said she was all for the development.


“I think what they are offering, like the extra housing and affordable housing, will be good for the area,” she said.


“It would be especially good for families, especially young families, who want to be able to afford to move into the countryside.”


Cotswold Homes believes the proposal, if approved, would be a major step towards the district’s first Park & Share facility for up to 100 cars, which it says has been a longstanding policy aim of South Gloucestershire Council as a means of tackling traffic congestion locally.


Managing director Mike Glen said: “As a local housebuilder, Cotswold Homes wants to make sure the local community is informed and involved at every step of the process. We are delighted that around 144 people came to our consultation, having sent invitations to everyone living within a 2.5km distance of the site.


“It was important to remind residents that we are at the very start of the process.

The purpose of our exhibition was to learn from residents and seek their feedback on our ideas.


“Our next step is to consider the comments we receive carefully so that we can, where possible, make changes to the proposal before submitting a planning application to South Gloucestershire Council.”


If you wish to give feedback on the proposed development, call Cotswold Homes on 0800 298 7040 or email feedback@consultation-online.co.uk.