Stoke Gifford rail depot plan opposed by more than 550 people

Hundreds of residents have signed a petition opposing a rail depot which is being planned for Stoke Gifford near Bristol.

The facility, which would service new electric trains on the Great Western mainline, would be built in an area known as the railway triangle.

But 561 residents say they are worried about noise, dust and light pollution.

Hitachi Rail Europe said the proposed depot had been designed to cause "minimal impact on the local area".

Andy Barr, from Hitachi Rail, said: "We are addressing these concerns and will ensure that we reach viable solutions for all involved parties.

"Hitachi is keen to become an active partner of the local community."

The plan to electrify the route between London, Bristol and Cardiff was confirmed by the government in March.

House price fear

The scheme will cost £1bn and the proposed new depot would service trains using the line.

South Gloucestershire Council said the depot would be "quite large" and would employ more than 200 people.

The residents' petition argued the facility - near Sandringham Road and several other cul-de-sacs - would be too close to a "large suburban area".

The petition added that residents were worried about the impact on house prices and the potential for noisy overnight working.

Stoke Gifford Parish Council has also objected to South Gloucestershire Council over "inconsistencies" in the plan.

Jackie Lewis, the chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council, said there were a number of concerns that "were not being answered".

More than 70 residents attended a recent public meeting about the plans.

As well as the petition, more than 40 residents have also submitted separate objections to the plan.