Up to 215 homes will be built in Coalpit Heath after developers were successful in their appeal.

Barratt Homes will be able to go ahead with the Blackberry Park development despite South Gloucestershire Council’s refusal to grant planning permission.

This was the developers second attempt get permission to build on Woodlands Farm after a previous application for up to 380 homes was refused in 2013.

South Gloucestershire Council again refused the application in August 2017 but an appeal hearing has now taken place.

Woodlands Farm was previously the home of  author Dick King-Smith who described it as 'an extension' of himself. 

Councillor Claire Young (Lib Dem, Westerleigh ward) said:“This is very sad news for everyone who has been battling to protect this much-loved piece of countryside from development.

"We must now make sure that Barratt Homes keep their promises to leave large areas of public open space and, most importantly, provide the agreed number of affordable homes.”

A spokesman for Frome Valley Conservatives said: "We are extremely disappointed with the outcome of the Woodlands Farm appeal and are saddened by the decision.

"Local residents have fought hard to oppose these plans and we feel it is hugely regrettable that Barratt homes have sought to proceed despite the universal opposition to these proposals.

"We recognise the need for sustainable development and more affordable homes in South Gloucestershire, but are committed to ensuring these are in the right areas."

Resident and member of the VALID (Villagers Against Local Intended Developments) action group Rachel Trudgian said: “It seems that the UK’s need for more housing overrides all other compelling arguments in deciding where this housing goes, giving greedy developers “carte blanch” to build in the areas which make them the most money.

“All legitimate and compelling reasons put forward, over the many years of fighting to save these fields, such as lack of sustainability and increased traffic on roads, were disregarded, putting yet another nail in the coffin for our villages.”

Chris Dolling, senior design and planning manager for Barratt Homes, said: "We have always believed the site presents a sustainable location for much-needed new homes in the area.

"We are pleased that this opinion has been shared by the Planning Inspectorate and we now look forward to bringing a new residential development to South Gloucestershire.

"We would like to reassure the public that we have worked hard to ensure these plans benefit the local area and we will strive to minimise any disruption during the construction process."