COUNCILLORS unanimously vowed to oppose plans for 250 homes in Royston, with one claiming the scheme should be kicked into touch . On the same night that more than 120 residents of the Burns Road area gathered to show their opposition for the scheme,

COUNCILLORS unanimously vowed to oppose plans for 250 homes in Royston, with one claiming the scheme should be "kicked into touch".

On the same night that more than 120 residents of the Burns Road area gathered to show their opposition for the scheme, which is being proposed by developer Fairview Homes for two sites adjacent to Coombelands and Thackeray Close, Royston Town council's planning committee agreed that they couldn't support the scheme in its current state.

The committee was given a presentation by Jayne Bratton, from the North Royston Action Group, who outlined the reasons, reported in The Crow last week, why residents are against the plans.

Cllr Robert Smith said: "I'm deeply concerned that both sites only have one point of access each. This is completely unacceptable.

"With no provision being made for emergency access, I see no way that we can support this application."

Cllr Lindsay Davidson said: "I can see so many things in this proposal which are not going to be good news for anyone, existing residents or people moving into the new houses.

"There is no mention of the town's infrastructure, which is already groaning at the seams. More houses would put an unacceptable strain on this infrastructure," she said.

Royston's mayor, Cllr Rod Kennedy, said that the council could not support the scheme because it doesn't meet North Herts district council's own planning guidelines.

He said: "Hopefully the district council will put Fairview out of their misery and kick this scheme into touch."

The committee unanimously agreed to oppose both parts of the scheme.

Meanwhile, the action group formally launched their Campaign against Illogical Development at a meeting at Coombes Community Centre, which was attended by scores of local residents, and councillors including Royston county councillor Fiona Hill and leader of North Herts district council, F John Smith.

Mrs Bratton, who thanked the town council for their support, urged local residents to make their feelings known to the district council.

She said: "It is not too late now but it will be when we have lorries driving through our estates".

The action group will be putting together a case against the development to present to the district council when the scheme goes before their planning committee. Anyone wishing to get involved should call 01763 247 797 or email team@roystonag.co.uk.