Fears that Sturry could become “a village of two halves” have been raised following the release of details of the area’s second major housing development.

Developers Barratt and David Wilson Homes want to build 456 homes at Broad Oak Farm at Sweechgate and have now submitted a planning application for the 47-acre site.

It follows a proposal for another larger development of up to 700 homes, plus a primary school, medical centre and community, to the south on the Greenfields shooting ground.

Agents for the house builders in Broad Oak say the “garden city” style development is “critical” to the provision of sufficient housing to meet future demand.

The developments are also key to funding the proposed Sturry relief road, which the county council agreed in principle last week.

Although both sites are formally designated for development in the Local Plan, Sturry Parish Council has significant concerns about the impact of so much housing on the village and the lack of affordable homes and green space.

Cllr Ann Davies claims the parish’s concerns and objections have been “consistently ignored” by the developers.

“The number of homes proposed exceeds what is indicated in the Local Plan, “ she said.

“The developers have been pushing them up because they are largely funding the link road and that gives the city council very little wriggle room.”

Cllr Davies said another consequence of the funding of the new road was a reduction in the number of affordable homes to just 13% from the recommended 30%.

“They won’t be affordable for local people and it will just become a commuter enclave and create a village of two halves,” she said.

“Opinion is also divided in the village on the link road and whether so many new homes is too high a price to pay.

“But I have some sympathy for the city council which is hamstrung by national planning policies and will probably lose at appeal if they refuse them,” she added.

The parish council may also have another planning challenge waiting in the wings in resisting proposals for a third scheme in the village.

Gladman Land has been leafleting residents and launched an online public consultation on plans for 140 homes on farmland off Popes Lane, which is not designated for development in the Local Plan.

The company says it is a “suitable and sustainable” location for new housing and the new link road will ease any traffic concerns. It is expected to lodge a planning application.