RESIDENTS of a village which is due to expand by over a quarter have urged that no more housing is built in the community.

Plans for 12 new homes in Stoke Lacy were approved last week and came just a few months after councillors passed a development for 28 houses in the same village.

Residents have argued that the increase is disproportionate as the village only comprises of 158 houses.

Stoke Lacy Parish Council Clerk Alma Westwood was one of those objecting to the development.

She said: “40 new houses is 25 per cent of our village which will have been given permission to be built in a very small area.

“The council’s core strategy highlighted 24 houses to be built so the 28 approved has fulfilled that.

“So 40 is a gross and overwhelming development.”

The latest development will also see the building of a gateway feature at both ends of the village to slow down traffic, the installation of a speed indicator and the improvement of access for cyclists.

County Councillor Jonathan Lester said that the community is struggling to come to terms with the increase of the village – as seen by the 24 letters submitted objecting to the plans.

“I would not like to see any more development in this area if approved,” said Cllr Lester.

“There must be a limit for Stoke Lacy.”

Committee member Cllr Alan Seldon asked the council’s planning officers whether any other development could be passed in Stoke Lacy if this one was given approval.

In response Andrew Banks said that each application would be considered separately.

“Here is the disparity as unfortunately this development is more suitable than the one approved in January,” added Cllr Seldon in response.

“The A465 is a fast road and the average speed through there is 36 miles per hour. A speed indicator becomes a challenge to see how high drivers can make it go.”

However, councillors agreed that there was no reasons why they could refuse the application on grounds of a cumulative effect and that it would be ‘impossible’ to defend on appeal.

Cllr Harvey added: “I feel sorry for these residents as these 40 houses have came quickly and don’t feel suitable or proportional.

“It puts pressure on the county development going forward.”