VILLAGERS have united against plans to build houses in Banwell. An application has been made to North Somerset Council to put four houses on land to the rear of the Ship Inn in the High Street. Residents say the development would intrude on their privacy

VILLAGERS have united against plans to build houses in Banwell.An application has been made to North Somerset Council to put four houses on land to the rear of the Ship Inn in the High Street.Residents say the development would intrude on their privacy and access to the houses from the High Street would be dangerous.Rob Taylor, who lives in West Street with his wife Sue, says their house would overlook the development.Mr Taylor said: "All the houses in the surrounding area will suffer in one way but our property would get the worst of it. When we bought the property, the quiet and privacy were major factors. The development would take all this away because it would be directly behind our back garden."The ground floor rooms of the houses would effectively look through our bedroom."Martin and Louise Shepherd, who also live in West Street, agree with Mr Taylor.Mrs Shepherd said: "The removal of the trees around our property would severely affect our security, leaving the rear of our property totally vulnerable to anyone living in the new houses."Bob Parr, partner for Bic Field Associates, which owns the land, said: "A lot of consultation was carried out before the application was made in terms of the location and any overlooking."It is also a conservation area and we focused on the character of the houses. We believe we have dealt with these aspects sensitively and this is reflected in the application."Banwell Parish Council clerk Jo Duffy said: "Councillors voted to oppose the application. We have asked North Somerset Council to call the matter before its west area committee.