RESIDENTS have criticised the latest plans to build a large housing estate on greenbelt land.
Proposals for the development at the site bordering Sharphill Wood in Edwalton have been discussed for some time, with 1,200 homes initially planned.
But Rushcliffe Borough Council recently announced plans for another 550 homes – a 45 per cent increase on the previous figure.
And at a consultation event for the plans yesterday, at Edwalton Golf Club, residents voiced their concerns.
Philip Hodges, who lives in Edwalton, said: "There are several things I'm concerned about.
"There are many people who have come out of Nottingham to live in West Bridgford as it is nationally known as a good place to be – if this increases, it all brings the property prices down.
"There are issues with the infrastructure too. There are plenty of houses – do we need another 550?"
A resident of 40 years, who lives in Selby Road, West Bridgford, and did not want to be named, added: "We're just trying to get our voices heard. The big issue is infrastructure. It is not going to work."
In June, the Post reported that inspectors said the borough council's plan for 9,600 new homes over the next 15 years was not enough and that an additional 3,500 homes needed to be built in Rushcliffe.
The areas outlined for development are Clifton, Sharphill Wood in Edwalton, and Gamston.
As a result, planners have had to find room for the additional 550 houses in the Sharphill Wood area by increasing both density and the area covered.
Satish Beri, of Longlands Drive, Edwalton, said: "It just seems difficult to imagine where all these people are going to go.
"West Bridgford and Edwalton are already very busy and adding so many homes would be a real strain."
The 24-year-old, who has lived in the area for several years, added: "I oppose the plans and that seems to be the general feeling around here too."
Paul Randle is leading the local plan for Rushcliffe Borough Council and said that plans for school places, health requirements and traffic infrastructure would have to be looked at.
He added: "The planning process requires the infrastructure to be fully and properly considered."
