DEVELOPERS want to build up to 60 new homes in West Hill- a third of which have been earmarked as affordable.

DEVELOPERS want to build up to 60 new homes in West Hill- a third of which have been earmarked as affordable.

Blue Cedar Homes revealed its intentions for land at Eastfield last week, and the move has sparked a demand for answers from residents.

Villagers packed St Michael's Church Hall last Friday at a meeting over the bid, organised by the West Hill Residents' Association.

The developer hopes to submit a planning application for 20 affordable homes, ten to 15 family homes and 20 to 25 retirement homes in the new year.

Access to the new dwellings would be through the existing Eastfield area.

While the bid is currently in its infancy, Blue Cedar representative Nick Yeo addressed a number of concerns, however, two "major" worries remain according to Residents' Association chairman Dan Jelly.

He told the Herald the project would be entirely outside the existing area of permitted development, and would create "a dangerous precedent" for the rest of the village if permitted.

There are also fears over the impact the additional homes will have on traffic levels.

Mr Jelly thanked Mr Yeo for his co-operation and added: "We are grateful that the developer has agreed to work with the residents of the village at an early stage in their proposals. We obviously have some concerns about this development but look forward to further dialogue as matters progress."

At the meeting Mr Yeo said two distinct fields totalling 7.2 acres have been pinpointed, with one acre offered to the village's primary school.

Mr Yeo also pointed out benefits of such a project, including its low density and a managed retirement section.

Village representatives Roger Giles, Ray Bloxham, and Claire Wright are all keeping an eye on the bid.

Blue Cedar has offered to set up a public exhibition in West Hill Village Hall on January 8, 2010, from 2pm, followed by an open meeting at 7pm on January 15 to answer questions and hear residents' concerns.