RESIDENTS in Bassaleg fear a proposed development of 14 homes will destroy a woodland and cause gridlock on roads in the area.

The application, lodged in February by Danzoe Limited, includes building a new road and a drainage system on land to the rear and north of Ruperra Close.

But objectors claim the area is important to wildlife and have set up a petition pleading on Newport council to reject the application.

Rhymney Way resident, John Lee, 55, said Forge Lane is already congested and that there isn't a need for more homes.

He said: “There is already a development on old Alcan site with circa 1900 houses being developed. It is simply not practical to build another 14 houses in Bassaleg, as we simply do not need more houses in our area.”

He said the woodland has a protection order on all of the trees and raised concerns for the wildlife, which includes bats.

He added: “We do not and will not give up our woodland without a fight, and if this development is given the go ahead then the planning department and council should hang their heads in shame."

He said the proposal brings no benefit to Bassaleg and urged Newport council to consult with residents.

Fellow resident Maureen Pringle said the impact would have ‘dire consequences’ on the wildlife and cause gridlock on the roads.

Among those to sign an online petition, launched by the residents facebook group ‘Save our woodland say no to 14 houses in Bassaleg’, was Jacqueline Bailey, of Bassaleg, who fears it would increase traffic and turn the area into a ‘concrete jungle.’

“Traffic is a nightmare and will get even worse once Jubilee Park is complete,” she said.

Kate Steggel, of Bassaleg, said the area is an important habitat for wildlife.

“The woodland must be protected from any further fragmentation of its valuable biodiversity corridors to ensure its future - the future of the wildlife that depends on it and to preserve the character of Bassaleg.”

The Wales Green Party leader and prospective parliamentary candidate Pippa Bartolotti, and local councillors David Williams, Margaret Cornelius, and Ed Townsend, all object the application.

Ms Bartolotti said: “In planning terms we have to be mindful that there are pieces of land which are essential to the survival of our wildlife. This piece of land in Bassaleg seems to be one of those pieces and is an essential place for nature.”

“We must be mindful of wildlife corridors. These are very important links for what’s left of our wildlife. More than 40 per cent has disappeared in the last 50 years according to the RSPCA. It is vital that we protect our wildlife corridor."

A spokeswoman for Newport council said they did not comment on individual applications.