A PARISH council has revealed it is objecting to plans to build more than 600 homes on land to the south of Branston.
Branston Parish Council contacted the Mail to air its grievances at proposals by St Modwen Properties for a major new development, which is set to be discussed at an East Staffordshire Borough Council planning committee meeting on Monday.
The council’s main complaint is the plans do not address the issue of traffic congestion in the area.
Councillor Fred Smith, speaking on behalf of the parish council, said: “Access through Main Street is too narrow and is already very congested.
“It is totally unacceptable on traffic safety and congestion for this planning application to go ahead.”
UP to 1,500 jobs could be created as part of the proposed development.
The application is for a mix of employment and residential use and will see the creation of hundreds of new homes and around 770,000 sq ft of employment space.
Planning officers have recommended the plans should be approved and the decision on the project – if supported by the committee – will then be made by the Planning Inspectorate at a later date.
Ian Romano, senior development surveyor at St Modwen, said: “We have worked extensively with the Highways Agency and Staffordshire County Council’s highways department on improvements to junctions on local roads to mitigate the impact of the development.
“Both statutory consultees have reviewed the traffic and highways plans and formally stated that they have no objections to the proposals.
“Following comments received about school drop-off and pick-up times, St Modwen has revised the plans to include new parking for more than 50 cars in Branston centre to alleviate parking issues near Rykneld Primary School.
“A further 20 spaces will be provided on the school site.”
