The chairman of Yate Town Football club is 'mightily disappointed' and has urged South Gloucestershire Councillors to 'carefully consider' their decision on a proposed development on Iron Acton Way after the initial proposals were rejected on the grounds it would amount to destructive “urban sprawl” and swallow up a village.

Councillors refused Redrow Homes’ proposal to build 118 houses on Iron Acton Way, but as the vote went against the recommendation of a planning officer to approve the application, a final decision will be made at a later date by a higher-level committee at South Gloucestershire Council.

The developers are proposing to build 42 affordable homes within the development and to provide almost £1 million pound for extra community infrastructure, including upgrading facilities at Yate Town Football Club.

The proposals were met by opposition from 84 residents, two local district councillors, Yate Town Council and Iron Acton Parish Council.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Frampton Cotterell Claire Young said: “Anyone coming along Iron Acton Way will feel they have entered Yate.

“Engine Common is a village community with a separate identity,” she said. “It’s important that that’s preserved.

However RedRow Homes have argued they have not posted a speculative application n that the site has been earmarked for development for a number of years.

Lee Hawker Managing Director of Redrow homes said: “We were extremely disappointed with the refusal of our plans last week.

"We’ve worked hard on these plans during that time in order to bring them forward with an officer recommendation for approval.

“The proposals represent an extremely sustainable addition to Yate that will provide new homes in close proximity to local amenities, public transport and employment.

“They also include 42 new affordable homes, which are in great demand across the authority and will provide homes for key workers."

The site lies outside of the Green Belt, and forms part of the previously identified Strategic Development Location (SDL) that was included within the Joint Spatial Plan.

The application will now be heard at a meeting of the Spatial Planning Committee on January 25, where senior members of South Gloucestershire council will make the final decision.

The site is situated on land surrounding Yate Town Football Club off Iron Acton Way and has been developed in close collaboration with the Club, resulting in a number of contributions and upgrades being confirmed as part of the plans.

These include upgrading the floodlighting to LEDs, which would significantly lower costs for the Club, extensive boundary works and potential financial contributions.

Colin Pick, Chairman of Yate Town Football Club said: “We’re mightily disappointed that this application wasn’t approved by the Committee. The proposals include many improvements that would support the club’s ongoing vitality and future development plans.

“As with many clubs and community organisations, the Covid pandemic has really hit the club hard. The support and upgrades – not to mention the potential new members the plans would bring – would be a significant boost for us as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.

“I urge all members at South Gloucestershire Council deciding this application later this month, to consider this very carefully. This application would be a good thing for Yate and the football club.”