A BID for a new housing estate which residents fear is the “perfect plan to ruin a village and destroy the lovely countryside” has been given the go-ahead.

Centaur Homes Limited has been granted permission to build 26 homes on 4.1 acres of agricultural land off Over Old Road in Hartpury.

The scheme includes a mixture of two bed to four bed houses and a couple of one bed flats.

Ten of the properties are classed as affordable homes and an attenuation pond is planned for the site.

But the scheme is hugely controversial with 23 people objecting to it along with Hartpury Parish Council.

They have concerns over flooding, road safety and that the development lies outside the defined settlement boundary.

Max Choi, an objector, spoke at the Forest of Dean District Council’s development control committee meeting on June 13.

He said: “We have a perfect plan on how to ruin a village and destroy the lovely countryside. First of all, it’s going to flood houses.

“When you build houses on a raised sloping field like this with houses below, guess what happens? It just doesn’t work really, it’s asking for trouble.

“Flooding of the houses below is a certainty.”

Hartpury Parish Councillor Cen Davies also spoke against the plans. He said the parish council has several concerns about the development. He said there are no everyday services for families in the village.

Cllr Davies said the proposals would make sewage problems in the village worse and posed a flood risk.

“How do 26 buildings complement a greenfield site? The application site is outside the settlement boundary. If this is allowed with mitigation, what’s next, where else in Hartpury?”

Cllr Davies also said the extra 70 vehicles access onto old Over Road at peak times posed a road safety hazard.

Mark Godson, the agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the development underwent a lengthy planning application phase.

He said they followed officer advice to reduce the proposed number of homes from 30 to 26 homes.

“We have also worked with officers to ensure there will be no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.

“While we note the concerns over drainage locally, the council’s drainage advisers have overseen the proposals to create a very detailed drainage solution.

“With appropriate surface water, attenuation pond and measures to ensure the site has no negative impact on existing infrastructure.”

Mr Godson said it is a sustainable proposal which will support the viability of the village.

Chairman Dave Wheeler (G, Newland and Sling) proposed accepting the officer recommendation to approve the scheme.

This was seconded by Cllr Richard Burton (G, Newnham). And the committee voted to approve the scheme by seven votes to two.