A play area metres from homes planned in Yate has been described as a “nightmare waiting to happen”.
Critics said a pavilion behind Meadow Mead would become a teenage hangout and allow them to peer into residents’ bedrooms and gardens.
They condemned the departure from the masterplan for the North Yate New Neighbourhood, claiming it had been “sacrosanct” when anyone but the developer had tried to change it.
The planned playing area was sent back to the drawing board by South Gloucestershire Council planning chiefs.
Town councillor Chris Willmore told last week’s strategic sites delivery committee: “This is a play area metres from people’s houses.
“Users will be able to look straight into bedrooms, gardens, sitting rooms and kitchens.
“Residents have accepted there will be a play area there. This proposal isn’t for the sort of equipment you would put behind people’s houses.
“The pavilion is meant to be a place where community events happen.
“It will become a teenage hangout.
“I’ve never seen an application generate as much upset in residents.”
The meeting went ahead last week despite the coronavirus lockdown.
Ms Willmore – who provided a handout that members were advised not to touch – added: “Residents wrote to the chief executive asking for the meeting to be postponed. They feel they have been denied the chance to speak.
“I’m here on behalf of a great number of reasonable residents.”
Objecting, Yate Town Council said the play area, which also includes a zip wire, would cause privacy and noise issues and could be a fire risk.
The main complaint was about the pavilion, 2.85-metre-high structure with holes in the walls councillors said would be used for climbing.
Cllr Adrian Rush said: “It wouldn’t last very long. Within two months it’s going to be a pile of rubble.
“This is just a nightmare waiting to happen.”
The application was refused.
As the committee went against officer advice, the decision will be confirmed at a future meeting.
