PLANS to build 170 homes in Timsbury have sparked opposition from residents, who say local roads and services are already under strain.

The proposal is for a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses and apartments on land at Emlett Field in Timsbury. According to the planning application submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council, 40 per cent of the homes would be classed as affordable housing, and the development would include areas of public open space.

However, the proposals have attracted opposition from local residents. A total of 87 objections have been submitted via the council’s online planning portal, with no representations in support.

In one objection, Madeleine Havell Rogers raised concerns about traffic, she said: “The village cannot cope with the level of traffic it currently has. The High Street is tiny and a bottleneck at the best of times, particularly during rush hour.

“Timsbury has such a lovely school but we have decided to look elsewhere for a school simply because of the traffic issue in the village. The village amenities and roads cannot cope with any more housing. This would be ludicrous.”

The planning application submitted by developers Waddeton Park Ltd said: “The proposed development will be complementary to the locality, providing new homes with generous associated open space that would add positively to the local area in a manner that is sensitive to the immediate and wider setting.”

The developers are seeking “outline” planning permission, which establishes that this number of homes can be built in this location. If approved, details of the layout and design would be subject to a later “reserved matters” planning application.

People can view and comment on the plans at: app.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=25%2F04918%2FOUT#details_Section