PROTESTERS calling for plans to build 200 homes at Sellars Farm, Hardwicke to be scrapped have secured the backing of Stroud MP Neil Carmichael.

"There is a need for more homes in the constituency but this is not the right place for them," said Mr Carmichael, who staged a meeting at Hardwicke Village Hall on Friday, October 14 to canvass public opinion on the proposed development.

He listened to concerns from campaign group Against Sellars Farm, which has collected more than 1,300 signatures objecting to the development on the grounds that the village cannot cope with 200 more homes.

The protesters say the development is a Ôcreeping form of urbanisationÕ which would merge the village with nearby towns and lead to congested roads and oversubscribed public services.

They also believe the development would increase the risk of flooding by swallowing up land which is needed for drainage.

Ian Butler, chairman of Hardwicke Parish Council, welcomed Mr CarmichaelÕs support.

Cllr Butler said that if the development was given the go ahead it would open the floodgates for more homes to be built in the area.

"South Gloucester has seen enough development. Building more houses will lead to unsustainable urban sprawl which may even merge with developments in north Stroud and Stonehouse," he said.

"It has been too easy to dump houses here over the years. There is enough housing for the future with Kingsway and Hunts Grove - this development is not needed in Hardwicke now or in the future."

Cheltenham-based developers Robert Hitchins submitted outline plans in June.

A spokesman said: "The proposals for Sellars Farm will deliver much needed housing including family and affordable housing in a sustainable location."

The planning application will come before Stroud District Council's development control committee on Tuesday, November 8.