AN online petition has been launched to fight plans for a new housing estate which protestors fear will overwhelm their community.

The petition Keep Bedale Beautiful has been set up on the Change.org website and has already been signed by people from as far away as Cambridge, London and Switzerland.

Residents are concerned about plans by Persimmon Homes to build the third phase of an existing development at South End, with about 90 new homes.

Although the land has been allocated for housing development it was not due to be built on until after 2020. Persimmon say the site will provide much needed new housing and job creation.

But residents fear that on top of five other housing developments currently in the pipeline in Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar - which could bring up to 500 extra homes - infrastructure and services will be overwhelmed.

The petition has been launched by a resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, who said the major concern is that Bedale cannot cope.

She said: “If the developers are allowed to build all these extra homes, Bedale as we know it will be no more.

"Sign this petition to say no to developing this piece of land, which will impact upon your access to local services such as your GP and schools.

"House prices and rentals will be affected if supply outstrips demand and that will have an impact upon us all.

"Please sign and share this petition with family and friends and let's make a stand."

Local resident Arthur Brooksbank added: ”They’ve brought building this estate forward because they’re scrabbling around building the maximum number of houses with no idea of the effect on the area. They are building for building's sake.”

Simon Usher, deputy managing director for Persimmon Homes Yorkshire said: “The Bedale development is identified as a suitable housing site in the council’s Local Development Framework and is being progressed earlier than expected following the council’s decision to revoke the phasing policy.

“Our proposals are currently being discussed with council officers and relevant statutory consultees and we aim to provide a high quality housing scheme that will provide much needed new homes and job creation.

“In addition, feedback and suggestions from the public consultation will be carefully considered and where possible will influence the development's final plans.”