Bradford on Avon Liberal Democrats have been in the forefront of opposition to a new estate in the Woolley area of the town.

Redcliffe Homes has applied to Wiltshire Council to build up to 57 homes on fields between Woolley Street and Cemetery lane, with road access to Woolley Street.

The plans have been strongly opposed by many local people, with LibDem councillors playing a major role.

Town Councillor Simon Fisher, who proposed the town’s resolution against the plans, said: “The LibDem-led Town Council has strongly recommended that Wiltshire refuse this application. There are many strong reasons to turn it down including the fact that Woolley Street is a country lane totally unsuited to extra vehicles. There have been accidents at Woolley Green and we need to control traffic rather than increasing it.”

County Councillor Rosemary Brown added: “I believe there are no valid planning reasons for this development. The town has now met its housing requirement to 2026 and this land lies outside the settlement boundary – where the county policy restricts development other than in exceptional circumstances. We urge the Wiltshire planning committee to refuse this application.”

Town Mayor Alison Craddock added: “At the public meeting on this issue, we heard residents speak very powerfully on the problems this development would cause – from road hazards to air pollution and loss of green space. It would also place added strain on roads, air quality, school places and health services. I hope Wiltshire Council will stand with residents on this."