PLANS for 100 new homes in Cirencester have been branded an unnecessary overdevelopment by worried town councillors.

Cirencester Town Council member for Stratton and Whiteway, Matt Helm, spoke out following a public consultation by London-based developer Baylight Properties. The developer wants to build a housing estate on land near Bowling Green Lane and wanted to gauge local opinion ahead of submitting a planning application.

Following an exhibition at nearby Cirencester Rugby Club on Friday which attracted 100 local residents, Cllr Helm told the Standard he was not impressed.

"Even if it was just 30 homes, is it really necessary when you look at the Kingshill North and South developments," he said.

"There is too much building going on in Cirencester - we have to have some green spaces left."

Cllr Andy Lichnowski, who represents the same ward, added: "The land is a good local amenity for people to walk their dogs and for children to play. I think there's already enough development going on in the town. Cirencester needs the chance to settle down."

At the consultation, residents' concerns centred on road safety. Access to the site would be via Bowling Green Lane which is too narrow to cope, they said.

The risk of flooding was also raised. Baylight has said the estate would be 'flood-proof' but that led to concerns that neighbouring communities could be affected as a result.

Baylight consultant Mark Freeman said the company was keen to hear local opinion.

"The development could see 50 to 100 properties but it's early days and things are subject to change," he said.

"The biggest concern was transport and access and people wanted to protect the use of their footpaths. These will all influence our plans and we will come back with more proposals once we've had time.

"Everyone thinks developers come in and do what they want and leave, but we're different."

Mr Freeman said residents could sign up for regular update reports by emailing him at mark@baylight.co.uk