AFFORDABLE housing could soon be created in Clevedon to help those struggling to get on the property ladder.

Plans have been submitted to North Somerset Council by Knightstone Housing Association for six flats and two houses on a site in Kenn Road.

The application seeks to amend a previous scheme and the new plans include six one-bed flats, two two-bed houses and eight parking spaces.

The flats would be available for rent and the houses would be offered as shared-ownership all with Knightstone Housing Association.

In a document submitted to North Somerset Council, John Parry, development manager at Knightstone, says there is a definite shortage of affordable housing in Clevedon.

He says there are a potential 1,113 applicants looking for one bed homes in the area and 986 potential applicants for two-beds.

Despite this, the plans are being fiercely fought by neighbouring residents.

They have raised concerns about the density of buildings, the fact the entrance is next to a busy roundabout and the possibility neighbouring households would lose their privacy.

Walter Gibbs, aged 84 of Southway Court, said: “We are very concerned.

“The plans are much too dense and we think it is totally the wrong development for the site.

“There is a risk of flooding in the area - where will the water run off once this is built?

“The access to the site is also going to be very dangerous.”

Knightstone’s director of development and home ownership Mike Day said: “The site at Kenn Road, which is owned by Streamcross Limited, is a good opportunity to provide eight new homes for local families.

“We’ve worked closely with the developer to improve the design and layout to make sure that we provide high quality housing.

“The sale proceeds of another older Knightstone property in Clevedon will be invested in the Kenn Road site.

“Knightstone Mansions in Hill Road requires a large amount of investment and re-modelling to bring it up to modern standards. “

The neighbours have also questioned whether the application is valid as they believe the land ownership certificates submitted were incorrect.

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: “The previous application was allowed on appeal. The issue of land ownership was not a matter raised at the time the application was considered by the local planning authority or at the time the appointed inspector determined the appeal. The permission remains valid.

“Any objections received will be examined and considered when reaching a decision.”