Around 400 people turned out in protest against two development plans in Caerphilly , including plans to build almost 700 homes and a bypass on Caerphilly Mountain.

Campaigners say they were overwhelmed by the number of people who turned out on Saturday morning, to voice concerns over the two separate developments.

An original proposal outlined around 450 homes for the Nant-y-Calch site, but the addition of a new parcel of land in the latest proposal put to Caerphilly council means up to 685 homes could now be built at the former Ness Tar Plant, as well as the adjoining farm land.

Read more: This is where hundreds of homes are planned to be built on Caerphilly Mountain

Local people were also protesting about separate plans for Gwern y Donen near Lansbury Park.

The protest was held at Twyn Community Centre in Caerphilly.

Representatives from two campaigning groups – Say No to the Development on Caerphilly Mountain and the Gwern y Domen Conservation Group – turned out, as well as South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle.

Gethin Inticott, eight, joins the protest

There's a lot of support

One of the organising campaigners, Kirsty Luff said: “We had about 400 people in total, which is a lot of support and more than we were expecting.

“A lot of people wanted to find out more – and there were many families that turned out.

“Local children also made posters, and we had people of all ages, from the very young to pensioners.

“There are various reasons for the event today. With so many houses planned we are worried about congestion and air quality – Caerphilly is quite congested as it is.

“We were making our feelings known for plans for two sites today – the mountain site Nant-y-Calch farm where there are plans for 700 homes, and the Gwern y Donen site.

“Both are areas of fantastic countryside.

“We know these are very, very early days for the plans, but we felt the event was important to let the community’s feelings be known.”

Avril Owen makes sure every passer by sees her message

Iolo Williams is horrified

Wildlife expert Iolo Williams, who is supporting the group, added he was “horrified” to hear about the plans.

He said: “I am horrified to hear Caerphilly county borough council is proposing to move its current settlement boundaries to allow for houses to be built on valuable greenfield land on and around Gwern y Domen and Plasnewydd Farm.

“Sites like these and Nant-y-Calch are vitally important for nature conservation and local heritage as well as for local naturalists and walkers.

Little Connie Ridge, two and a half, lets her feelings be known at the protest

“I am horrified and disgusted that they have been put forward for wholescale destruction and I will do everything in my power to fight this development.”

More than £500 was raised by the local community on an online fundraising page, in order to raise money for insurance for Saturday’s event.

Caerphilly council is currently holding a public consultation on the plans.

What the planners say:

Referring to the Caerphilly Mountain proposals, WalesOnline previously reported planning officials said: “The site is in a highly sustainable location, which accords strongly with the LDP Strategy, being located adjacent to the Caerphilly Rail station and interchange.

“The site can realise significant benefits in terms of providing housing and the first phase of the SE Bypass and the remediation of one of the county borough’s more contaminated sites.

“With careful and sensitive layout and design, the adverse impacts upon the landscape and ecology can be minimised.

“Overall the site is considered to represent an appropriate extension to the existing settlement.”