PLANS to build new homes in Newport have prompted major concerns among local residents.

The planning application was registered with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority at the end of March, seeking permission to build 35 new houses.

The development, which includes 14 affordable homes, is planned for land off Feidr Eglwys, incorporating open space and new access points.

The Bentinck Development Opposition Group (BDOG) has been formed in an attempt to stop the plans from going ahead.

A spokesman for the group said: “We are all for affordable housing to buy and rent in Newport.

“We are not happy that the percentage of affordable housing has been reduced on this application from 70%, as promised in the Local Development Plan, to 40%, while the open market housing has been greatly increased. It is likely that few local people will be able to afford any of the 21 open market houses planned.

“We would like to see plans put in place for Newport to ensure suitable small sites are provided with a majority of affordable homes – both to buy and rent.

“However we do not support an application which purports to provide houses for local people, but in reality is an estate of open market houses, with the affordable/social housing alienated on a small section of the site, segregated from the other housing and not providing the same level of amenity.”

Further concerns have been raised about access to the site.

“The very narrow lanes just can’t accommodate 53 more cars, there are few passing places and most of these on Feidr Bentinck are facilitated by using private driveways,” added the BDOG spokesman.

“There are no pavements, and walkers, many trying to enjoy the scenery, already take their lives into their hands in this area.”

The application is due to be discussed by the National Park’s development management committee later this year.