CAMPAIGNERS against proposals for 200 homes to be built on the Allaston development have stepped up their fight.

Members of the group 'Stop Allaston Development' (SAD) gathered to sign a petition against the plans on land off Driffield Road and Allaston Road/Court Road in Lydney. The petition, which started on Monday and has more than 30 signatures, relates to concerns that the housing development will "create a rat run" and "increase the risk of traffic accidents."

Driffield Road resident, Carole Parry generated the petition and said: "This is a great concern for residents and myself who will be affected by these proposals if they are passed. Just imagine how much busier the roads will be if there are at least 200 more cars to accommodate - this will certainly cause congestion or at worse an accident. I will present this to the Forest of Dean District Council for consideration."

The planning application, which has been submitted by Hunter Page Planning on behalf of Allaston Development Ltd, proposes the construction of up to 200 houses, including 20 serviced self build plots and up to 37 retirement apartments. As well as a community building (up to 2,000sqft) comprising a "flexible A1/D2 ancillary space" and a new public open space.

Campaigner, Cheryl Stickler said: "We aim to protect Lydney from over-development which would place enormous pressure on existing infrastructure. Our roads, schooling, police and health services are already under enormous strain and we believe another 200 dwellings, in addition to what are already planned for Lydney, is excessive.

"At a time of rising crime, the need to reduce our carbon footprint, greater public awareness of the balance between man and nature and a need to leave something for the future, do we really need 200 more dwellings in Lydney without associated long-term employment prospects?

"We aim to protect the green fields and associated wildlife for the benefit of the next generation so that they can enjoy the wonderful views, and profuse wildlife that occupy the proposed development site."

Carol Gorf has lived at Driffield Road for 23 years, she added: "At the moment I have an open aspect view of the River Severn but if the houses go up my view will be completely obliterated. The plans will involve my lane being used as a road and it isn't designed for that purpose. It will be devastating to the area."

Cllr James Bevan for Lydney East, added: "I am against the plans as a resident, not as a councillor. My biggest concern is the environmental impact it will have, at present the land is like a sponge and the road infrastructure isn't suitable for the demand the houses will create."

A spokesman for the developers said: "The Allaston development would provide 200 much-needed homes for the people of Lydney, including retirement homes, affordable homes and self-build plots. It's good news for Lydney as a whole."

Residents who wish to comment on this application should write to the Forest of Dean District Council, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG or via http://www.fdean.gov.uk">www.fdean.gov.uk by Wednesday, October 9.