CONTROVERSIAL development plans in the centre of Winterslow have become so divisive that even families are split over whether they should get the go-ahead or not, says its parish council chairman.

Primetower Properties has submitted the outline planning application to build 46 homes and create a 4.5 acre village green and play area. The site, owned by Richard and Trish Sheppard, is next to the village hall in Middleton Road.

Last Tuesday, the parish council voted to object to the plans, which include 18 affordable homes, by six to three.

Council chairman Ivan Moody voted in favour saying the site was close to amenities such as the doctor’s surgery, village shop and pre-school and would therefore reduce the need for car journeys but he admitted the application “has split families, mother for and father against”.

Around 120 residents attended the meeting participating in an hour of public questions.

Parish councillor Mick Brown said: “There were numerous questions and a lot of emotion and strength of feeling. There were some good arguments put forward on both sides.”

Issues raised involved the “urban footprint” of the design, the suitability of the site for a village green due to its 4.5m drop from Highfield Crescent to its lowest point and whether it was in fact necessary with the village already boasting a recreation ground and a sports field.

Cllr Brown said: “There was a lot of concern over the water management system – the field acts like a sponge.

“There were also concerns over the proposed access which is very close to a blind bend and another road junction. And the site as a whole is not in the draft neighbourhood plan.”

Residents fear Browns Copse, designated as a village green, will be used as a dumping ground by people living there, and say it it is too many homes for the site.

Cllr Brown said the draft neighbourhood plan involved dispersed sites of smaller developments which would disperse traffic. It says the site should only be used for ten homes – either starter homes or for senior citizens wanting to downsize.

Mr Sheppard, a parish councillor, declared an interest in the application and left the room during the vote.

A public consultation on the plans – 17/02002/OUT – ends on Thursday.

So far the application online has 34 letters in objection with four in support. Those in favour said the site was ideally placed and the development would breathe new life into the village.