CAMPAIGNING Rhoose residents have given the Vale of Glamorgan Council 2,000 objections to development plans in the village.

Led by Paul Davenport of Fontygary, locals are fighting proposals to build an initial 200 houses at Rhoose Point, followed by 600 more.

They have formed the Rhoose Action Group in protest and have already collected more than 2,000 letters against the development.

These were handed in to the Docks Offices in Barry on both Monday and Tuesday.

The aim of the group is to oppose further residential development of the village and its coastal heritage.

Campaign manager Paul Davenport said: "Once the Coastal Zone has been built on, it's gone forever.

Just go and look at the headland at Barry Island for a reality check.

It's the only headland in Britain to be built upon.

If they can build there, they will try to build anywhere.

We mustn't make the mistake that those poor people now have to live with."

The 35-year-old added: "We are going to engage and lobby all parties who are turning Rhoose into an urban sprawl.

We will keep a collective eye on any aspect we think will eventually destroy the village and will engage various environmental agencies to help.

"We don't believe the myths that amenities like a surgery, nursery and school will follow.

We want to make sure the Vale Council, planners and property developers hear our voice."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "Planning permission has been approved for 500 houses to be built in three stages and Cofton Wales Ltd have currently submitted a further application for 200 more.

There has been a modification to the Unitary Development Plan for 400 units to be built by 2011 and a further 200 after that, but that is still a matter of consideration and representation."

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