A fresh consultation has been launched over controversial plans to build dozens of new homes over looking one of Gower ’s most popular tourist hotspots.

Plans to build 31 new homes on Higher Lane, with stunning views over Langland Bay and the Bristol Channel, have prompted mass opposition locally, with more than 1,500 objections being forwarded to the planning authority Swansea Council.

Developer Edenstone Homes is behind the proposed development on the 1.3 hectare site.

Residents have objected to a potential partial loss of view, and also the site of the proposed development being so close to the coastline, part of the Wales Coastal Path, which they argue could impact on its tourist appeal.

Concerns have also been raised over the accompanying infrastructure, such as roads and access, as well as the potential demand it will make on local schools.

Original plans have now been amended, prompting the fresh consultation exercise.

The proposal for 31 homes comes after concerns raised by planning officers with regards to the density of the original scheme, representing a 30% reduction in the original plans at the pre-application stage.

The plans also propose a new site entrance off Higher Lane, including the widening of the lane, as well as the introduction of a new pedestrian walkway.

Resident Jill Burgess and councillor Myles Langstone at the field off Higher Lane

The new plans also include a new estate road, with parking courtyards and shared accesses, and the re-routing of an existing public footpath across the existing site.

Up to 51% of the new homes are proposed as "affordable housing".

The amended plans relate to parking provision on the proposed estate.

Oystermouth councillor Myles Langstone said concerns had been raised over how the development would conserve and enhance the Gower AONB [area of outstanding natural beauty], the loss of agricultural land and a well-used public right of way, which links directly to the Wales Coastal path.

He also said the fresh consultation had been criticised for being launched during lockdown.

Residents have formed an action group to fight the plans.

Campaigner Jill Burgess said: “It feels to me like they are asking for our comments and then failing to address them time after time.

“We feel very strongly that there are some very serious issues concerning this site, yet the planning department isn’t listening to us, the public”.

However, Swansea Council say all comments and objections will form part of the overall application process which has yet to be determined.

The proposed development is also on an area of identified land instability, said Cllr Langstone, where numerous sink holes have given rise to ground subsidence over the years, which had led to houses being demolished in the immediate neighbourhood.

Residents have raised concerns that construction and drainage works will accelerate more collapses, he said.

He added: “This latest consultation was launched on May 1, and I am disappointed that the planning department have decided to proceed with this consultation while we are in lockdown.

“It doesn’t offer a fair opportunity for the public to scrutinise the application and with it being so controversial, I believe it’s vital that the consultation is done in the right way, as highlighted in the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

“As seen by the huge engagement to date, the public are keen to play a role.

“However, with comments going unanswered and the timing of the latest consultation, many see this as underhand, undermining trust in the process.”

David Hopkins, Swansea Council cabinet member for delivery and performance, said the consultation period was a chance for all concerns to be raised, and that all issues would be fully considered as part of the planning process in due course.

He added: "The consultation is all about residents having the opportunity to have their say.

"When the application comes back to committee, be it digitally or if we are back in the Guildhall at that time, all concerns will be fully considered. We will involve residents and consider carefully what they have to say.

"It is frustrating Cllr Langstone should make such comments when he has never made any representations to me as cabinet member directly".

Tim Smale, planning director for Edenstone, said: “The scheme has developed through the planning process and has benefited from the collaborative working relationship between the developers and the planning department.

"The latest amendments to the scheme involve the addition, relocation and increased size of some of the parking spaces as requested by the council’s highways team.

“The last thing we want to do is railroad something through without listening to residents and planners.

“The site has been allocated for development within Swansea’s Local Development Plan 2010 -2015 (LDP) and as such the principle of development on this site has already been established subject to compliance with the LDP policy H 5: ‘Local Needs Housing Exception Sites'.

“In addition to the 51% affordable housing the policy allocating the site is designed to deliver housing for local needs so all the properties will have local occupancy restrictions.”

Rhianydd Jenkins, Coastal Housing's head of development, added: "We're pleased to be working with Edenstone to bring much-needed affordable homes to this area in line with the council's local development plan and welcome the changes being proposed as a result of the planning application process."

To take part in the consultation visit here.