Campaign launched against threat of 1000 homes on green fields around Chipping Sodbury

A campaign has been launched (link to Gazette report) against proposals for a huge new housing site that would increase the size of Chipping Sodbury by 50%. The development, on green fields to the East of Chipping Sodbury, would include over 1000 new houses, new community buildings (including a doctor’s surgery, new shops and possibly a primary school), a business park and new road access.

Steve Webb MP and local Lib Dem councillors have pledged to join local residents to fight the proposals, highlighting the impact on roads, flooding and the local landscape.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"House building on this scale will have a devastating effect on the local community and the local environment. Residents already suffer problems with flooding and this development would make matters much worse. Local roads cannot cope with the strain of at least a thousand more cars and in the absence of a decent public transport system there will be gridlock on roads through Yate and Sodbury. When a full planning application is submitted, we will ensure that all local residents can make their views known to the Council so that this totally inappropriate development can be rejected".

Councillor Linda Boon (Lib Dem, Chipping Sodbury) responded to the proposed development, saying:

"The proposed development would have a serious impact on the local area and I aim to make sure that the voice of residents is listened to. The environmental impact of the new development is particularly serious and could have catastrophic consequences for current residents by exacerbating the already serious problem of flooding in the area. The project is unsustainable and would dwarf the existing town and local community”.

Town Councillor Adrian Rush commented that:

“A housing site of this size and scale will have a disastrous impact on the stunning landscape surrounding Chipping Sodbury. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a place of abundant wildlife and striking scenery – is cherished by local communities. As well as ruining the current views for Chipping Sodbury residents, the housing site would be taken close to the edge of the Cotswold Hills, scarring the landscape and creating an eyesore for those trying to enjoy its walks across the Cotswold Way.”

Residents who wish to be kept informed about the campaign can send their name and address to housing@stevewebb.org.uk or can write to Steve at Poole Court, Poole Court Drive, Yate BS37 5PP.