FUMING residents fear children and pedestrians could be in danger of being seriously hurt if plans to create an extra 49 homes on a Malvern estate are approved later this year.
Housing firm Fortis Living have applied for planning permission to build 49 new homes at Winsmore in Powick which is between Malvern Road and Upton Road.
But concerned residents have launched the Winsmore Action Group to oppose the planned housing development in their estate because they fear it is likely to increase traffic accidents in the ‘quiet cul-de-sac’.
They also fear their estate will become gridlocked on a daily basis because the new homes are proposed to go through the existing Winsmore estate access on the B4424 Upton Road.
The action group was formed during a special meeting held last Wednesday (July 13) at Powick Parish Hall.
Organiser of the Winsmore Action Group, Felicity Williams, 68, who has lived in the estate for three years told the Observer the development could have a severe detrimental effect.
“It would be an awful shame to see a quiet cul-de-sac turned into a thoroughfare,” she said.
“With Winsmore being the only access to the proposed developments, if cars turning right off Upton Road can’t do so immediately, they are going to cause major backlogs, especially when there are any events on at the Three Counties Showground.
“The roads in Winsmore are really narrow too and in the event of an emergency situation, the traffic will not be able to cope.
“The children in Winsmore play on the field in the middle of the estate and they’re aware of the risks but with an increased traffic flow, it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
The site has been allocated for development under the South Worcestershire Development Plan
In their application, Fortis say the development is needed ‘as a result of a need for housing growth in the larger and more sustainable villages to meet local demand.’
The firm said the homes will be arranged in a way so routes in and around Winsmore have ‘natural surveillance’ which will promote security and safety in public areas.
Malvern Hills District Council intend to make a final decision on the application by early September.
The action group have made an appeal over the application and a representative will speak on the group’s behalf when the decision is made.
Anybody wishing to get involved with the action group should visit the Winsmore Action Group page on Facebook or contact Felicity on 01905 830425.
Are you concerned by the plans? If so, email your thoughts to [email protected]
