Villagers are concerned more than 60 trees could be cut down to build six homes in Winscombe.

They believe plans to build six houses on gardens off The Chesnuts will have a ‘significant effect on wildlife and the environment’.

A number of people have written to North Somerset Council to oppose the plans due to concerns the development will destroy trees and habitats and impact on people’s privacy.

A spokesman for residents which is against the proposal said: “We do not disagree there is a need for more, and more varying, housing in the village, but more than 60 trees for six houses is way out of order.

“We appeal to councillors in the strongest terms to recognise the significant failings and impact of the current plans, and for them to urge the developers to return with a more sympathetic scheme with less impact on the environment.”

The homeowners believe the plans should be refused because ‘the destruction of so many trees would have a damaging impact on the local ecology, wildlife and habitats would suffer greatly, including 11 species of bat’.

They are also concerned the need for smaller homes has been ignored and the development will pose traffic and safety issues as access for pedestrians via The Chesnuts from Sidcot Lane is on a blind bend.

Commenting on the proposal, Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council states: “All six properties would overlook homes and gardens on Sidcot Drive as well as Longfield House and result in the destruction of a wildlife corridor for local habitat.

“Little consultation had taken place on the proposals and it was considered that there was a need for smaller single/one-and-a-half storey homes in the parish. The planning committee recommended refusal of the planning application in its current form.

“The proposal would result in an overbearing impact for a number of neighbours as well overlooking and loss of privacy.”

The application was recommended for approval by councillor officers.

However, the scheme was called in by concerned members, so councillors are due to make the final decision at their planning and regulatory committee on Wednesday after visiting the site.