Residents and campaigners for Peasedown St John have spoken out after the appeal decision to allow a new housing estate to be built on Greenlands Road was approved by the Government's Planning Inspectorate in a document published on Tuesday this week.

Bristol-based developer, Edward Ware Homes Ltd, will now be permitted to build 89 new homes on fields at Greenlands Road. The area is in the older part of Peasedown St John, on the green belt overlooking the Cam Valley. In June last year, the Council's Development Control Committee voted against the application, but, after an appeal, the Planning Inspectorate issued the decision to approve on Tuesday morning.

Residents Protecting Peasedown, a group run by local residents opposed to the house-builder's plans, have been co-ordinating local opposition to the proposal. The group say they are not against development in Peasedown, but believe that house-builders have to demonstrate how their proposals will positively contribute to the life of the village and benefit the community.

Petra Schofield, Spokesperson for Residents Protecting Peasedown, said: "We are bitterly disappointed by this decision. It's unfair, unjust and wrong-headed. We'd hoped that today would mark the end of our campaign against this absurd development, instead we are left feeling let down and incredibly frustrated by authorities that we trusted would protect the interests of our community.

"The Inspector's decision defies common sense, ignores the overwhelming opposition in the local community and crucially – does not give proper consideration to evidence of the harm this new housing estate will cause. We are digesting the detail of the decision and considering our options."

There was overwhelming public opposition to the plans, with more than 950 villagers having signed a petition against the proposal and some 210 people having sent written objections to the Council.

B&NES Councillor, Nathan Hartley, said: "This is shocking news – I was genuinely optimistic that the Government Inspector wouldn't allow this. All the arguments against development, such as our village's creaking infrastructure and lack of amenities were so strong.

"I'm saddened that the Government has decided not to listen to the views of local people, but instead back a housing developer who, in our opinion, has shown little regard for public consultation or community engagement.

"Our work should not, and will not, stop here. I'll be working very hard over the next three to four years to ensure that there is open dialogue between builders and nearby residents throughout construction. I'll also be pushing the local planning department heavily to ensure that all Section 106 money is allocated and spent within an acceptable timescale."

Cllr Karen Walker, who heads up the local planning committee, spoke on behalf of Peasedown St John Parish Council: "Last year, the Parish Council unanimously voted against these plans, because of concerns over landscape, access to the site and our already full primary school, GP surgery and dentistry practice.

"We are not opposed to new housing completely – we just want to see Government, both nationally and locally, take our community more seriously by giving us the investment our village so desperately needs. With almost 7,000 people within the Parish, something needs to be done.

"The Parish Council would like to put on record our thanks to Residents Protecting Peasedown, who have done a fantastic job over the last two years to engage people, mobilise them and unite us all behind something we believed in. Despite the result, they can't be thanked enough." Peasedown St John has just seen the completion of a large David Wilson development in the village and plans are also going to B&NES Council for 55 new homes on land located behind St John's Church, with access along Church Road. Peasedown St John already has one of the largest primary schools in the area, with two headteachers and village services at capacity.

At the time of going to press, Edward Ware Homes were unable to comment on the appeal decision.