Planners have approved more than 200 homes at a Coalpit Heath farm once owned by children’s author Dick King-Smith, who wrote the book that became Hollywood movie Babe.

It follows a successful appeal to the planning inspector last year by Barratt Homes against South Gloucestershire Council’s refusal of the outline proposals.

Strategic sites delivery committee members have now granted full permission for the development on land east of Park Lane next to Woodlands Farm, where the writer lived from 1948 to 1962, despite concerns about a rise in antisocial behaviour.

The farm became the inspiration for many of Mr King-Smith’s books, including Sheep Pig, now known as Oscar-nominated film Babe after the story was adapted for the big screen in 1995.

Councillors approved the 204 houses, 35 per cent of them affordable, with the details of a further 11 self-build homes set to be the subject of subsequent applications.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council and 16 residents objected to the scheme.

Ward councillor Claire Young told the committee on Thursday, June 27, that neighbours feared an unofficial path between the development, named Blackberry Park, and recently built housing estate The Meads could become a “hotspot” for unruly youths.

She said: “Residents have already seen some antisocial behaviour with kids hanging around and they are worried this could become a hotspot.”

She said neighbours were worried that the design of the housing for Blackberry Park would not “mirror” existing homes.

Planning officer Helen Winsall said objections also included road safety concerns, a lack of local infrastructure, loss of green land and the impact on wildlife.

But she said: “The layout and design of the homes is acceptable and their location is reasonable.

A report to members said: “The paths into The Meads are considered desirable to increase connectivity between the site for walkers and cyclists.

“The police designing-out-crime officer has not raised any concerns regarding antisocial behaviour in respect of these accesses.” Last year, planning inspector Nick Fagan overturned the council’s decision to reject Barratt Homes’ outline application. He said Mr Dick-King’s associations with the site and the area were culturally important and that the scheme would result in the loss of agricultural land, but ruled the authority’s housing shortfall tipped the balance in favour of granting permission.