West Bridgford residents have made more than 500 objections to plans to build 600 more homes near a ‘very dangerous junction’.
Work is currently underway to build 900 homes in Sharphill Woods, but developers want to build more properties at the top end of Musters Road.
A planning application was submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council on April 25 by John A Wells and Bovis Homes to build the homes, along with a primary school and community park.
The plans have been proposed for the site west of Melton Road, south of Muster Road and east of Sharphill Wood, Edwalton.
The council previously allocated the site as a spot for 1,500 homes to be built.
There is currently full planning permission for 979 dwellings on the site and, if the latest application is granted, there would be 1,579.
The site leads onto the junction with Musters Road and Boundary Road, near Rushcliffe [secondary] School, on Boundary Road, and Jesse Gray Primary School, between Musters Road and Haileybury Road.
Local residents have voiced their concerns to the authority about the proposals, with some saying they are worried about an increase in traffic flow which could cause a ‘serious injury or a fatal accident’.
Dr Nigel Chapman, of Hollies Drive, Edwalton, said: “This is a very dangerous junction with Musters Road and Boundary Road. It is going to increase the traffic and there will be serious injury or a fatal accident at this site without traffic lights or a method of exit.
“There is then the school on Musters Road where traffic is supposed to travel at 20mph. Very few cars go at that low speed and so it raises the danger to the children unless there is a speed reduction scheme in place.
“The traffic from Sharphill should be kept to the two main roads.”
Dr Jonathan Harte, of North Road, West Bridgford, said: “I feel that the builder’s expectation of only 30 per cent of vehicles likely to use this exit is a complete underestimate.
“An increase in traffic flow along Musters Road at peak times would coincide with start and finish times of Jesse Gray and Rushcliffe school, reducing pedestrian safety and increasing congestion, already bad at these times.
“There is also the potential health issue relating to air quality reduction from such an increase in traffic flow.
“I feel these underhand ‘creep’ tactics of developers is wholly unacceptable and should be resisted strongly.”
The council has not yet approved the plans or decided on the plans yet, and will not make a decision until July 25.
And the authority says it will consider residents’ comments about the proposals until that date.
A council spokesman said the application is not scheduled to go before a planning committee meeting – but not all cased are determined by a committed.
The spokesman added: “At present we are considering the representations that have been made by statutory consultees, local residents and other interested parties.
“We have brought the issues raised to the applicant’s attention and are awaiting their response. If any material revisions are made to the application we would carry out appropriate re-consultation.”
Celestino Picciuto, of Boundary Road, West Bridgford, added: “There is a school on Musters Road which would not benefit from increased traffic. It is an increased safety risk for the children whilst arriving and leaving school, as well as an increase in air pollution.
“There will be an increase is road noise and air pollution for residents. Traffic and congestion will increase dramatically.
“This will cause drainage issues and an increased flood risk, potentially causing damage to my property.
“There will be a general negative impact on health of residents, local wildlife and the environment.
“I am strongly opposed to these plans especially opening up Musters Road cul de sac to all traffic.”
Notts TV has contacted Bovis Homes for comment.
