DEVELOPERS who were refused planning permission for 50 new homes in Alderbury have appealed the decision.

The Earl of Radnor's Longford Estates wanted to build housing on playing fields off Firs Road, currently used as football pitches by Alderbury Football Club.

The plans for the eight-acre site included 118 new parking spaces, a new preschool building within the grounds of the village primary school and land to extend the school playing fields.

The football club is moving to land next to the proposed development after the owner granted it a 30-year lease on a peppercorn rent.

The application involves widening the road to allow for on-street parking, the installation of traffic-calming measures next to the school and the dual use of the football club car park for the school and other community facilities.

While residents in the village support the provision of affordable homes, some are concerned over Firs Road being used as the access route to the development as it becomes "very busy" at school times.

In a letter to the council Graham White said: "The situation is getting worse year on year. If the entrance were from Junction Road then the area around the school would not be affected by an increase in traffic and there would be less danger to pedestrians."

Residents supporting the application said new, affordable homes would help young people get onto the housing ladder and bring in extra trade for struggling local businesses.

Those objecting - including the parish council - raised concerns about extra traffic in the village and the loss of green space.

But Paul Beveridge, head teacher at the village primary school, said the development could improve long-standing parking and traffic issues.

And he said the school had room for up to 30 more children.

Ivor Cottell of Junction Road commented: "We need new affordable housing. The village needs to prosper into the 21st century to keep the village community alive."

Councillors rejected the plans in December, when Councillor Christopher Devine said the unwanted community buildings offered as part of the scheme were “nothing but a bribe”.

The planning application number is 17/04001/OUT.