Traffic fears over bid for 31 new homes

Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council has backed the construction of the homes south of Coppice Hill.

But some residents have said they are worried about pollution and the danger extra traffic could bring.

Resident Marco Hilgers said: ‘The traffic coming through this area is already very heavy.

‘Building there would only increase that, noise and fumes pollution levels would increase drastically.’

Fellow resident Gwendoline Castle objects to the proposal.

She said: ‘The brow of Coppice Hill compromises the sight-line of oncoming traffic.

‘With cars turning right from this site it will be extremely dangerous with the junction of Shore Lane.

‘We’re are talking about introducing a staggered crossroads on an already extremely busy and dangerous road.’

Yet in a letter to Winchester City Council’s planning committee, the parish council said: ‘Whilst recognising the concerns over the access to the site, noting the proposed mitigating measures we support this application.’

The plans from Bargate Homes involve three and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom flats.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: ‘The site is proposed to be allocated for housing in Winchester’s local plan, so the principle of developing the land for this purpose is acceptable.

‘As part of the local plan, the council commissioned a transport study to test the capacity of the B2177.

‘The study concluded there may need to be junction improvements but that there will be adequate capacity to accommodate the 
development being put forward.

‘However, transport will be one of the matters considered when the application is determined in due course.’