NORTHLEACH residents and councillors are joining forces to fight against a proposed development on a “beautiful” piece of land in the town.

An application for outline planning permission has been submitted to Cotswold District Council to build 50 houses on the land off Bassett Road and East End in Northleach.

Submitted by Gloucestershire County Council, if the application is granted planning permission by CDC, county officers can sell the land to developers.

Councillors on Northleach with Eastington Town Council are preparing their objections to the plans.

“We think there is really good opportunity to develop that field with something nice. But at the same time there are people who do not want it all,” said town council clerk Cat Crompton.

“That land has been ear marked for development for a long time and GCC are under obligation to sell it. We recognise we have to have development but we do not want it to be a rushed job.

“We are trying to see both sides. I understand the impact on residents but we’re trying to work out what is best for everyone.”

Bassett Road resident Helen Sharman-Jones lives opposite the proposed site and said the view over fields was a reason for buying her house.

“We’ve lived here a long time and always knew this field would be developed,” said Helen. “The problems with this development include the size of it, the density of housing and the problem with the infrastructure.

“It’s inevitable to have natural expansion but I think 50 houses is a lot for a town this size. This is what has upset us the most.”

GCC councillor for Northleach Paul Hodgkinson said it was important views were listened to.

“The infrastructure in the town is already creaking. It needs to be sorted before development can go ahead,” he said.

Comments must be made by July 10. Click here and use application number 14/02212/OUT.