HUNDREDS of new homes could be in the pipeline in Newent after developers were granted outline planning permission.

Robert Hitchings Ltd sought consent from Forest Council planners for up to 230 new homes on land north of Southend Lane.

Several residents objected to the scheme, claiming the influx of hundreds more living there would swamp the doctors’ surgery and schools and cause extra congestion in already overloaded neighbouring streets.

Others raised the fact that the site was prone to occasional flooding and the sewage system was under ‘extreme pressure’.

Mike Sophocli, who lives near the site, said: “The proposed entrance from Foley Road will greatly increase the amount of traffic passing along Foley Road, including past two children’s play areas. “

He said there could be 400 or more extra cars in the area due to the development, all using the same access road, which was “not the widest of roads, especially with cars parked along both sides”.

Newent Town Council also objected on the grounds the developer had failed to consult it properly.

Town councillors also said the Forest district council allocation plan only nominated 170 homes for the site, not 230.