For two hours, Langley Township residents peppered their council with questions, concerns, and objections over two proposed developments linked to Trinity Western University.

Two dozen residents spoke, almost all of them opposed to one or both developments, on the grounds of environmental damage, to preserve farmland, or worries about traffic.

The first development is a project to the northwest of the current TWU site, creating a new "university district" across Glover Road from the current campus.

The district would include "learning, recreational, cultural, employment and housing opportunities," according to the Township.

The second project, even more unpopular with the speakers Monday, is a 67-unit subdivision, with a number of coach house suites, to be built by the Wall Financial Corporation to the south of TWU.

Both projects are in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and both have tentative approval from the ALC.

After the first part of the public hearing last week, residents continued to attack the Wall project as bad planning.

"Why do we have a rural plan if it isn't followed?" asked Bays Blackhall.

Dennis Townsend also characterized it as "spot growth."

"We're supposed to be doing smart growth," he said.

The idea of placing a subdivision miles away from any existing stores or schools was criticized by many of the speakers. Residents in the area also noted that traffic in the area is dangerous enough.

The Wall project has no direct connection with Trinity Western.

This type of zoning in a rural area would set a bad precedent, several people said.

"I think we're looking at a very small part of what's to come," said Frank Cox.

He suggested that the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford did a better planning process for its upcoming expansion.

Threats to the nearby Salmon River were again raised by a number of people, including more members of groups such as the Nicomekl Enhancement Society, the Salmon River Enhancement Society, and the Langley Field Naturalists.

Farmers in the Fort Langley floodplain worried that adding more homes and roads to the upper reaches of the river system will worsen floods on the lowlands.

The representative of the Fort Langley Farmland Preservation group was tentatively in favour of the Wall project, but only if the project funds flood control, to be controlled by the Langley Sustainable Agriculture Foundation.

Richard Cook spoke for the Wall project, and said that plans for water retention have been made, and that work on identified traffic issues is also underway.

When it comes to the expansion of the TWU campus and the new university district, several speakers suggested that TWU should build up, rather than out, creating more space on its existing campus.

Others called on TWU to build satellite campuses in urban parts of Langley.

Township council is expected to debate and vote on both projects on Feb. 13 during a 7 p.m. meeting.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com