MORE than 80 Neyland residents expressed their concern about a proposed development to build 42 homes in the town at a meeting on Monday evening.

Paul Miller, county councillor for Neyland West, organised the event to give the public a chance to view the proposals of the plan for the old infants school site off Charles Street.

Residents voted in favour of allowing work to go ahead on the derelict buildings that currently exist, but unanimously agreed that green space should be protected.

“The proposed plans will inevitably increase the number of children in the area but will deprive them of green space in which to play,” said Neyland resident Maria Walters.

Following the meeting, Cllr Miller said he plans to lobby the County Council to reflect the views of Neyland residents.

“The fact that local people have got involved and had their say and the decision makers have been listening is a good thing,” he said.

Members of the public put their concerns to Nigel Sinnett, Property Services Director at Pembrokeshire Housing Association and Lyn Hambridge, Head of Housing at Pembrokeshire Council.

With the proposed 42 properties, the public highlighted the lack of school spaces and concern for the allocation of the houses.

“Affordable housing is a national priority and in Pembrokeshire we have 4,500 people on the list,” said Ms Hambridge. “Clearly there is a need for affordable housing in Neyland.”

Councillor Miller said that the development will give Neyland residents who are on the housing list to have a real chance of getting a house locally.

“I will be pushing for any houses built on the land have 100 per cent allocation for people with a local connection,” he said.

Another meeting with representatives from highways and education is planned to take place to address concerns that were left unanswered on Monday.

“We are going to keep an eye on the planning process so if and when there is a planning application, we will make sure everyone in the community knows how they can get involved,” said Mr Miller.

A Facebook group called NEYLAND SOS has been set up to keep residents up to date on developments.