Concerns have been raised over plans for more than 400 homes in a Nottinghamshire suburb could break local services. Plans have been submitted for 473 homes to be built on land east of Coventry Lane, Bramcote.
The land was previously used as a playing field for Bramcote School, but was sold after being deemed surplus to requirements. The housing development is planned to be completed with or after the redevelopment of Bramcote School, for which plans were submitted in September.
Local residents were worried about the possibly negative impact the development would have on the area's infrastructure, but recognised the need for more housing. Elaine Moore, 53, who lives nearby and walks her dog on the fields, said: "I think it could create some big problems with infrastructure. All these people in this small area will need services like GPs and schools, which are already stretched and at some point they will break.
"There's a lot of houses being built around here. From a personal point of view it would be inconvenient to lose this space, it is a nice little walk and it seems like a lot of houses to fit in."
A Sloan Drive resident, who did want to be named, said: "I think people would prefer for the land not to be built on but I think it will happen.
"It will make a big difference to the area obviously, there will be a lot of new people. It will be too much for the area to cope with but it is inevitable, we have to accept it."
Others thought the development could help address a housing shortage. Jan Jones, 80, from Bramcote, said: "I have been to all the meetings about it and I feel the need to be devil's advocate. All the people who can't get homes currently need somewhere to live.
"Nearly 500 homes in this area should be able to help provide more affordable housing. The funding that comes with the development should help with the infrastructure, but I am worried about the traffic onto Coventry Lane with the new access and about the housing facing onto the wildlife corridor."
The land was allocated for 500 homes but the number was reduced after the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church land was excluded from the plans.
In a planning document, Savills on behalf of Avant Homes And The White Hills Park Trust, said: "The scheme will deliver a range of house types and sizes, varying from 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom dwellings in a combination of market housing and on-site affordable housing. The housing heights, density, form and vernacular is considered to be appropriate to the location and complements the existing character of the area.
"The scheme includes the provision of green corridors, new planting, landscape features, open space and play equipment, and thereby both contributing to and connecting into the wider green infrastructure networks in the area.
"The scheme is also considered to provide an appropriate level of amenity for existing and new residents." The planning application is pending consideration by Broxtowe Borough Council.
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