CONCERNS have been raised that plans to build 111 homes in Hagley will hamper efforts to improve pedestrian safety along Station Road in Hagley to “prevent an accident, or worse” from happening.
Bradley Thomas MP and Coun Steve Colella have claimed the narrow footpath across the bridge and along Station Road is leading to pedestrians, especially students who attend the two local high schools, being forced to step into the busy road.
This has raised serious safety concerns, and residents fear the situation could be made much worse if plans to build 111 homes at the end of Brake Lane are approved.
An outline planning application for up to 111 homes on land at Brake Lane was submitted to Bromsgrove District Council in February.
Mr Thomas said: “Having seen for myself just how narrow the pavement is across the Station Road bridge, this is an accident waiting to happen. We need immediate action to be taken to prevent an accident, or worse.
“This situation is only going to get worse with the planning application to build 111 homes on land south of Brake Lane.
“On safety concerns alone, this application should be refused by Bromsgrove District Council.”
Planning documents, the applicants, LF (Hagley) Limited claim: “The Site is a highly sustainable location, benefitting from being within walking distance of Hagley Railway Station, bus stops, schools, and wider amenities within the village. There is a clear opportunity for future residents to utilise other modes of transport in their everyday lives. This is not the case for all potential development sites in Hagley.”
Coun Colella said: “I consider the routes to and from Hagley schools to be a serious safety issue for pedestrians during the morning and afternoon peaks.
“The ‘Crowd Control’ safety measures introduced at Hagley Train Station have caused several hundred students, primarily from Haybridge High School, to cross the railway line via the Station
Road bridge’s single narrow footpath, forcing some pedestrians to step into oncoming traffic, including HGVs, buses and coaches.”
“This is a disaster waiting to happen, and to consider that there is an application to build 111 houses at the end of Brake Lane makes little sense.”
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We have already conducted a site visit with the local County Councillor to assess the situation.
“We will now be liaising closely with Network Rail to explore potential options for improving safety at the location.”
