Concerns have been raised over an increase in traffic as well as flood risk claims as plans for 150 homes on the edge of Winshill are submitted.

An application to develop 28 acres of agricultural land off Sales Lane and Hawfield Lane, Bretby, has already led to criticism from Burton Mail readers who also claim it will put extra pressure on doctors and schools and lead to a loss of wildlife.

As a result of concerns the applicant Summix (Burton) Developments has scaled down its proposal from 250 homes to 150.

However, one resident, Alan Moreton, says he still has concerns about increased volume of traffic at the bottom of Bearwood Hill at the junction of Burton Bridge which he claims will have serious consequences of traffic backing up along Wetmore Road and also past Burton Police Station which, in turn, will cause problems in the town centre at peak times.

The agent, acting on behalf of the applicant did not comment at the time the Burton Mail went to press, but in a report to the council it said a traffic survey was undertaken in July, last year, at the Sales Lane/Hawfield Lane/Melbourne Avenue cross roads.

The survey reported: "The traffic travelling along the road leading to the site appears to be minimal during the morning and evening peak periods.

"The road safety records for the local road network have been reviewed and there are no existing road safety issues to report. The evidence from road safety records, traffic analysis and the surrounding road network shows that there is no justification for a second point of access onto the development."

Mr Moreton had concerns about flood risks, claiming: "The (Dale) brook has risen to very high levels in the past. Surface water from the Manners Estate is channelled into the brook so the capacity for the brook to take additional drainage is questionable."

The report said a flood risk assessment had been carried out saying there is no history of flooding along the Dale Brook, but said: "However works have been carried out to minimise surface water flow routing into the brook."

However, his main concern is his claim that the development was included in the recently adopted South Derbyshire Local Plan which reveals sites available for development. This is disputed in the application's transport assessment which says the site sits in an area covered by the local plan.

He added that the development will draw on East Staffordshire resources and will eventually lead the joining of two developments, as it is on the edge of Winshill but, its location in Bretby means the decision will be made by South Derbyshire District Council.

The decision is expected to be made in October.

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