Developers behind a controversial delayed plan for a large-scale residential development in Penparcau have applied for a time extension to begin work as nearly five years after plans were approved a spade has yet to enter the ground.

Plans have been submitted to Ceredigion council planning officers by developers Crugiau Properties to grant a five year extension for work to start on its approved plan to build 49 new homes on land backing onto a farm off Piercefield Lane.

The scheme for 49 homes, which attracted hundreds of local objections over road safety and over-development fears was first mooted in 2012, and plans were originally submitted and approved in outline form in 2013.

The controversial scheme was given the full go-ahead by council planners subject to conditions in 2016, with a deadline of 9 September this year for work to begin.

It was approved despite strong objections after planning committee members heard that if the scheme was turned down an appeal against the decision was likely to be won by the developers.

With no work yet taken place on the site, developers have had to apply for a five year extension for the work to begin otherwise the permission will expire.

The plan to develop the land has been a long time in the making, with plans first submitted nine years ago, causing community uproar.

The plans originally encompassed more homes and land, and at one time included plans to develop the land of the former Tollgate pub which is now the subject of development instead by Wales and West Housing into 14 homes.

When the final plan for 49 homes was submitted in outline form in 2013, residents and councillors described the plans as “a recipe for disaster”.

They raised fears over increased traffic and the effect on environmental health.

The land has been identified by the county council for a housing development in the Local Development Plan for more than a decade.

Residents said that they are strongly opposed to the plans, which will also see a mini-roundabout being put in at the junction leading to Cae Job and Parc Dinas to ensure traffic safety on the access to the proposed estate.

Planning committee members deferred decision on the plans three times in 2015 and 2016 before a final decision was made, opting for site visits after being told of “significant concerns” over the proposals from local residents and Aberystwyth Town Council.

Aberystwyth Town Council lodged “strong objections” to the proposals, arguing it “is an over-development of the site and does not follow the original and granted outline planning permission” and would “increase traffic flow in the Piercefield Lane area.

Work to build the new estate, if it goes ahead, will involve associated work on access, parking, turning points and green spaces in the area, including a wildlife corridor.

A decision on the time extension is expected later this year.