PARISH and town councils met to join forces against the proposal for 1,350 homes to be built on land west of Stonehouse.

Councillors from Eastington Parish Council, Standish Parish Council and Stonehouse Town Council met on Tuesday, July 15 in a unanimous bid to resist the planning application proposed by Robert Hitchins Ltd on land on Nastend Lane.

Representatives from the council expressed their concern that the new satellite housing development would have a detrimental effect on neighbouring settlements.

A strong opposer of the plans, Stonehouse councillor David Drew said: “Basically the different parish and town councils are working up a joint and prepared position that will mean they can best defend their areas from the imposition of this unwanted development.

“We strongly oppose these houses.”

Impact of further employment development proposed in the emerging Local Plan can only be anticipated and the parishes have no evidence of this being fully supported by their communities.

Both parishes and the town council are working with planning consultants to head off the housing development.

Gill Jennings, STC clerk said: “It is vital that each individual considers the impact of increased traffic and proposed access points and effects on the landscape and character of the area.”