WORCESTERSHIRE Highways has responded to criticism it received over not objecting to controversial proposals to extend a dentist practice in Malvern Link.
Residents from Richmond Road and Farley Road were incensed the authority gave the thumbs up to the plans stating they would not increase traffic issues in the area because patients could use the nearby free car park next to Victoria Park.
The verdict proved significant as the district council’s Southern Area Development Management Committee approved the proposals following a lively debate at the end of August.
But several residents claimed Highways officers could not have visited the site and branded them ‘irresponsible’.
However last week in response to an enquiry by the Observer, the authority confirmed it had been down to the Link when assessing the plans.
County Coun John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said officers visited at 3.30pm on Wednesday, July 9 and reiterated the argument that any additional traffic caused by the one-floor extension would be ‘minimal’. He added for that reason it was notnecessary to monitor the traffic flow in the area.
Coun Smith said: “There is an adequate availability of local public transport links – bus and train – and a free car park located on Pickersleigh Avenue (approximately 300m from the application site). All are within walking distance of the site.
“Apart from some small sections of double yellow lines on Farley Road and on the northern site of Richmond Road, there is adequate on-street parking available in the local area.”
