PARISH leaders are opposing plans to build new homes on a garden and paddock in Longwell Green.

Hanham Abbots Parish Council said the outline scheme for six bungalows, detached garages and parking spaces was backland development that would have a damaging effect on the neighbouring green belt and increase traffic dangers on busy Bath Road.

It said access from the road to the site was "extremely narrow" and would cause problems for any emergency vehicle driving through, as well as for binmen.

The council has been joined by South Gloucestershire councillor for the area, Christine Price, in pressing for a site visit by planners before the decision is made. Councillor Price said she had concerns about traffic getting into and out of the access when Bath Road was so busy.

Five residents have written letters of objection, claiming the area was unable to cope with any more development and raising concerns about dangers for schoolchildren using Bath Road. They said local schools were full and the area would already have to put up with increased traffic from two other building schemes. A residential development of nine homes was under construction to the east of the site.

Planning officer Kirstie Henshaw said the site put forward for the homes was occupied by a locally listed building and garden, with an adjoining paddock.

Although submitted plans showed the properties as bungalows, their appearance was not yet fixed.

She said a previous application to build on the site had been withdrawn but the latest scheme showed no major changes to the original idea.

Ms Henshaw said if the plan won approval, there would be a need for a contribution of nearly £21,000 towards funding extra places in schools.

Members of South Gloucestershire Council's sites inspection panel will visit the plot today to see what is proposed. the application will then be determined at a later date.