A decision is due next week on granting planning permission for 14 new homes in Stoke Gifford which are sparking road safety concerns. South Gloucestershire Council will decide whether to give approval for the new development, in an area where many new houses are being built.
The plans are for 14 new homes on land on a corner with Hambrook Lane and the Stoke Gifford bypass, and form part of the new neighbourhood east of Harry Stoke. A decision will be taken by councillors on the strategic sites delivery committee on Thursday, January 9.
Next to the site is a much larger housing development of 144 new homes, the first phase of the South of the Railway development of a gigantic 1,290 homes. Winterbourne Parish Council is objecting to the latest plans, due to fears over a hazardous junction.
A spokesperson for the parish council said: “There is a concern regarding highways access at what is already a potentially hazardous junction. Could access be considered from the new adjacent Kilby Road junction?”
Two neighbours living nearby are also objecting, for similar reasons. Another concern is the lack of green space in the development and the impact on wildlife.
Writing to the council, one said: “We all enjoy living on Hambrook Lane and the quirks that come with it. Along with it being poorly lit, the lane narrows in various places along its course, so will become unsafe with any more proposed increases in traffic levels. The harm this increased traffic will bring to the existing residents will be unmeasurable.”
Another neighbour added: “Lots of land has been taken by new build houses in this area. Both sides of the bypass are being built on already, this has pushed the wildlife into a much smaller amount of land. This area of land is the only place left for local wildlife to try and survive. Building in this plot will destroy the animals’ natural habitat and force them out of the area.
“We need to work together as a community to ensure the preservation of local wildlife — they don’t ask us for much, this could be our only way to help them. I have personally seen lots of different types of animals on this land. Every day I see multiple foxes, badgers, squirrels, hedgehogs, and birds of all types.”
The site is currently undeveloped, surrounded by hedgerows and trees on four sides. A gate provides access to the field. According to the developers, there will be enough space for cars and lorries to safely move around and exit onto Hambrook Lane.
Planning agents representing the developers said: “Sufficient space is provided within the site layout so that vehicles can safely manoeuvre and all leave the site in a forward gear onto Hambrook Lane. EV charging points are also provided for each dwelling.
“The transport statement has tracked a refuse vehicle entering and leaving the site to ensure that the proposed access is of sufficient width and dimensions to accommodate large vehicles entering and eggressing the site. The layout plan reflects this.”