HOUSE builders have drawn up plans for 220 new homes in Frampton Cotterell, despite the credit crunch, which has pushed many developers to shelve their building plans.

Villagers are also opposing the plans to build on a greenfield site because of the loss of open space.

Barratt Homes Bristol was accused earlier this year of jumping the gun over Government proposals to build tens of thousands of houses across greater Bristol by 2026.

The company invited people in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath to an exhibition to show how it proposed to build on farmland – before it had submitted a planning application and before a final decision was taken on the level of housing the Government wants in the former Avon area.

Now Barratt has handed in its formal outline proposal for two arable fields on the edge of Frampton Cotterell, on a site bounded by Heather Avenue, Park Lane and the Park Farm estate, which it built about 10 years ago.

The plan is for a mix of houses and flats on nearly 16 acres, of which 73 would be affordable homes. Barratt said it would also include shop units within the scheme, as well as some open space.

In its submission, the company said it was aware the development was outside the village's development boundary, so would be contrary to the South Gloucestershire local plan.

It said: "However, South Gloucestershire Council has an urgent shortfall of suitable housing land, which has been accepted by the Secretary of State. Therefore, Barratt Homes feels this parcel of land, which is undesignated in the local plan, should be promoted for housing."

It admitted its consultation exercises in March and April had revealed a high level of opposition from householders.

Some said they didn't want to see any more land lost to development, others opposed building outside the boundary and there were complaints that the character of the area would be lost if the development went ahead.

They were also worried about extra traffic on already busy roads.

Pat Hockey, Liberal Democrat councillor for Frampton Cotterell, urged people to now send their formal comments to council. She said: "It's very important for people to express their views."

Barratt claimed in its application that there was "a dire need for housing" in South Gloucestershire and it would get worse if greenfield sites were not brought forward for development.

Despite comments from opponents, it said Frampton Cotterell was well served by roads and public transport, was close to employment areas and had a number of schools, shops, restaurants, a chemist and GP surgery.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council will be debating the plan when it meets on Monday at 7.30pm in the Brockeridge Centre, Woodend Road. Residents can attend and make their views known.

South Gloucestershire planners are expected to determine the application on December 11.