A NUMBER of angry Mamhilad residents have hit back at claims that they fully support a proposed 162-acre residential development being built on their doorstep.

As the Argus reported previously, plans have been submitted to Torfaen council for the regeneration of 162 acres of land around the former Du Pont site in Mamhilad, near Pontypool.

Newport-based developers Johnsey Estates outlined the masterplan, which included 1,200 new homes, offices, a school and village centre.

Richard Jones, spokesman for Johnsey Estates, said feedback from questionnaires handed out at exhibitions at Pontypool, Cwmbran and Mamhilad were, overall, positive.

"We've had over 130 responses returned and 73% were in favour of the proposals," he said.

"And 64% believed the plans would meet the long term housing needs of the area."

Mr Jones said most of the negative responses came from those living nearer the site.

He said: "This is one of the reasons why we've had these exhibitions. We need to find out people's concerns and look at those."

More than 700 people attended the exhibitions over the course of three days.

But one Mamhilad resident, who did not want to be named, told the Argus: "People up here are not very happy and are in the process of forming a committee.

"It's a lot larger than we believed."

Resident Gethyn Pritchard, aged 71, said: "I am not very happy about the plans because it gives Johnsey Estates room to sell the plots to other developers when they acquire it. I fear we will be left with just one huge housing estate and no amenities.

"Plus there will be more traffic, and when the developers get a foothold in Mamhilad they buy up land left, right and centre."

Another resident, Adrian Phillips, said he and his wife Cheryl had moved to Mamhilad to get away from towns and housing estates.

"We didn't know about these plans until we saw them in the Argus," said Mr Phillips. "I'm concerned about what type of housing estate they are proposing."

Mrs Phillips added: "This is a very peaceful area and we fear there is going to be a lot of noise from this development. This is peaceful countryside and those plans will make it into a small town."