Plans for 247 homes in Yate have been rejected amid concerns for a footpath and that sports pitches would be an unusable “quagmire”. 

Opponents claimed South Gloucestershire Council had been rigid in enforcing the masterplan for the North Yate New Neighbourhood but was bending to the will of a developer. 

They said it would “destroy” the Jubilee Way, a scenic route laid in 1985 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ramblers Association, if it was diverted along a road. 

Councillor Mike Drew, who represents Yate, said: “When we’ve talked about changes to the masterplan we were told we weren’t allowed to – it was written in concrete.

“Suddenly, the officer wants to change it and it doesn’t matter if we build across the Jubilee Way. 

“We don’t know what sports pitches will come with another application. This application is premature because we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The plans, part of the 2,450-home development in North Yate, proposed 247 houses, play areas and three sports pitches. 

Yate town councillor Chris Willmore urged South Gloucestershire Council’s strategic sites delivery committee to “stick to the masterplan” when it met last week. 

“This would be the first time we’ve decided to divert the Jubilee Way rather than fitting houses around it,” she added. 

Principal planning officer Jonathan Ryan replied: “The starting point is always the masterplan but it was felt in this instance there were exceptional circumstances for a slight diversion.”

He said the result would be the houses would be better laid out, a mature oak tree would be protected and the route would be more pleasant.”

Cllr Rush said the site allocated for football pitches is a “quagmire”, adding: “How is anyone going to be able to use them without facilities for changing and everything else? 

“No one in their right mind is going to let their children plan on them.”

Mr Ryan said the council could not demand changing rooms at this stage but they may be available through a deal with the primary school, once it is built. 

Cllr Colin Hunt criticised his colleagues for “speculating” on what might happen later and said the proposals improved on the masterplan. 

The committee voted to refuse the application. As they went against officer advice, the decision will now be referred to a future meeting.