MORE questions have been asked about Bromsgrove’s transport infrastructure after plans for 1,200 homes were unveiled for land off Perryfields Road.
Developer Taylor Wimpey revealed what it called its ‘masterplan’ for the area during an exhibition at the Holiday Inn, Kidderminster Road, last Thursday (October 16).
Almost 300 residents went to the consultation event and had the opportunity to speak with the project team, leave feedback and ask questions.
And many of them expressed concerns about how the roads would cope with the extra houses.
Resident Linda Nutting, of Apple Tree Crescent, said: “We do need more housing of course but it is the roads we are concerned about.
“We definitely need more roads for the amount of traffic which accumulates.
“My husband thought it would be better to have traffic lights to help the flow of traffic.”
Coun Luke Mallett said his biggest concern was with the transport infrastructure and how the the already congested roads would cope with thousands of extra cars.
“Residents are being left to suffer the consequences of years of inactivity and dawdling by Bromsgrove council, led largely by councillors from outside of Bromsgrove.
“We have to sort out the bottlenecks such as Fox Lane, not create more at Kidderminster and Stourbridge road and on the residential roads, unfortunately used as rat runs, between them.”
Coun Kit Taylor, responsible for planning, said he shared the same concerns as his fellow residents about the perceived future traffic problems.
He and Coun Margret Sherrey are meeting with the Worcestershire County Council and highway chiefs in a bid to resolve future problems.
James Bradshaw, Taylor Wimpey’s strategic land regional director, said they were delighted with the turnout and the number of attendees reflected the interest of the local community.
“It was great to see so many people taking the time to come along, view our proposals and ask questions – I would like to thank everyone who attended.
“All residents’ feedback is valuable and will be carefully considered by the project team, prior to an application being submitted.”
Developer Taylor Wimpey also announced it was looking to submit an outline planning application in January.
The scheme will bring a range of starter and family homes, including affordable housing and shared ownership properties.
As well as this, the development will include employment space, shops, elderly care homes and open spaces such as sports pitches.
Changes will also be made to Perryfields Road – to the south the road will be closed off and traffic will be redirected to a roundabout further down the Kidderminster Road, towards the motorway.
To the north Perryfields Road, which will be widened to 6.2metres and will have paths and cycleways, will be diverted away from the existing junction with a new traffic system further north along Stourbridge Road – junctions around the town will also be improved.
Visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/perryfields for more information.
