RESIDENTS fighting plans for a housing development in the heart of Newent have won crucial backing.

Forest of Dean District Council planners are recommending that the scheme is rejected when it comes before councillors on Tuesday.

Millstrand Developments Ltd wants to build six link-detached properties on a high bank above Bury Bar.

The site is in the grounds of Scillonia, which the firm already has provisional planning permission to convert to six one-bedroom apartments.

Ten residents have lodged objections with the council, citing a loss of privacy, concerns over the potential for structural damage to their homes and road safety.

The narrow Bury Bar is used by residents on part of Appledown to access the town centre but has no pavement for the top part of its length. Access onto Foley Road is shut-off and there is a turning point for cars where the development would be accessed.

Concerns about road safety have also been raised by Newent Town Council and the County Surveyor.

The developer has offered to fund changes to the turning area and consider providing a new footpath to link to the existing one in return for planning permission.

However, planning officers say there is not enough car parking space, which would result in on-street parking, and the plans represent a danger to road safety. They also agree that the development is detrimental to neighbouring homes.