TOO much new housing could change Quedgeley, Hardwicke and Kingsway for the worse, according to residents.

Just as council chiefs are right in the middle of consultations over future development in the area, critics are warning people to have a say now or take the consequences.

Stroud District Council wants households to get involved in the core strategy, which is up for debate until March 19.

It includes provision for 3,200 new properties up to 2026.

Included in it is an option to further extend Hunts Grove in Hardwicke by 750 homes, on top of the 2,000 already earmarked for the site. Concerns have been raised that it could put more pressure on the Quedgeley, Kingsway and Hardwicke amenities.

Paul Campion, 49, of Quedgeley, said: "I reckon people need to know this area could expand in the future, we've already seen what happened in Kingsway where more than 1,000 homes are up but there's no amenities for them.

"The danger is that the roads get congested and things like doctors surgeries get over subscribed in the future."

Fellow resident Ben Wainwright, 60, also of Quedgeley, said: "In all honesty this area may look ripe to be extended, but the fact we've got green spaces makes it what it is.

"If Hardwicke gets more homes we will suffer. I know the parish councils will have their say but at the end of the day, we need to do the same, otherwise there is a risk these councils will do what they want."

The core strategy was put together in a bid to show developers what plots of land are best placed for new properties, rather than getting by on an ad hoc basis.

Stroud District Council is encouraging households to get involved.

You can have a say by logging on to the Stroud District Council website

Those without the internet can call 01453 754 143 and request the printed form to be sent out to them.

Comments can also be submitted in writing by sending it to Core Strategy Consultation, The Planning Strategy Team, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Westward Road, Stroud, GL5 4UB.

All responses are valid up to 5pm on March 19.

Based on the feedback, a final strategy will then be published by the authority.