Scores of new homes approved despite fears

Another 226 homes will be built at the north Yate new neighbourhood despite fears drivers will speed through the estate.

Councillors approved Barratt homes’ plans but also raised concerns that the masterplan for the four-hectare, 2,450-home development was being delivered out of order.

the development will be made up of one, two, three and four-bed homes, 60 of which would be affordable.

Councillor Ian Boulton feared that, until the roads through the neighbourhood are adopted by the council, there will be no enforceable speed limits.

Lawyers were unable to confirm if that was the case, and he said the “hole in the argument” may be enough to defer the committee’s decision.

however, officers contested that drivers’ speeds will automatically be limited by the design of the roads.

Proposing approval, Cllr Keith Burchell said: “You can’t account for idiot drivers who go too fast and park in stupid places.

“You can’t hold developments up because drivers are going to drive through at 40mph.”