Anger over plans for 150 homes in Leonard Stanley

PLANS to build 150 homes on a field which separates two villages have met with furious opposition.

Supporters of the Mankley Field Action Group have left developer Gladman in no doubt about their feelings towards the planned development off Bath Road in Leonard Stanley.

A petition attracted more than 300 signatures when campaigners attended an exhibition at Leonard Stanley village hall on Wednesday organised to show the plans to residents.

Ann Jack, who lives in Brimley, Leonard Stanley, next to the field, said: "We will fight this tooth and nail to stop Leonard Stanley from turning into another Kingsway in Quedgeley."

The two district councillors for the Stanleys also attended the exhibition.
Cllr Steve Lydon said: "I am not against housing development in the Stanleys but we should be developing brownfield land before going for the green fields. 

"What is even more worrying is that there has been no local discussion at all and the vast majority of these houses will not be affordable for the local residents."

Maureen Kerry, who founded the action group, said: "Mankley Field is the only green field we have left in the Stanleys and is also the only division between Leonard Stanley and King's Stanley. If it is built on they will basically be forcing us to become one village."

Residents fear the narrow roads would not be able to cope with additional traffic and say local schools do not have places available for new families.
 

Martin Twigg, spokesman for Gladman, which is also behind the plans for 140 homes at Baxter's Field, Stroud, said: "We were pleased with the level of interest shown in the exhibition.

"Residents concerns about drainage, highways and other technical issues will all be addressed in detailed independent consultant reports which will be examined by the council when the application is submitted in the next few weeks."

A public meeting to discuss the plans was held last night, Tuesday, in Leonard Stanley village hall.