'Danger' road warning ignored as controversial car park plan for Stourbridge sports ground backed

Hundreds of people have objected to the proposals for the King Edward VI Sports Ground, in Oldswinford, over fears it would cause safety problems on what they say is already a dangerous road.

A total of 15 car parking spaces would be created at the playing fields but residents believe having vehicles turning in and out of the car park on Oakleigh Road, near the junction with Love Lane, will add an extra hazard on a 'dangerous' bend.

A total of 534 people have signed a petition against the proposals while 70 letters of objection have also been lodged with the council.

They say there have been a number of near misses on the road and claim drivers regularly travel above the 30mph speed limit.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential for an increase in on-street parking.

However, the objections of residents look set to be ignored as planning experts said they don't believe the creation of a car park would impact on road safety after scrutinising the plans.

They have recommended that the council's planning committee give the car park plan the go-ahead at a meeting next week.

The car park would serve the playing fields owned by the King Edward VI College.

Bosses said the plans had been submitted by trustees.

There is a currently a small parking area at the site.

Stourbridge councillor Nicolas Barlow said it was important residents' views were taken into account.

He said: "There has been a lot of feeling about this.

"It's a high-volume petition, there is a lot of concern down there about parking and safety and it is something officers need to consider.

"If it is down for approval I'm sure there will be an outcry about that. It has certainly been very contentious."

A report prepared by officials ahead of the planning committee meeting on Monday said: "While it is noted that there has been some considerable concern raised by neighbours regarding the proposed access, the highway engineer is of the opinion that refusal of the application cannot be justified on highway safety grounds, as there is minimal overall impact.

"There is sufficient visibility from the access onto Oakleigh Road, together with sufficient forward visibility to the inside of the bend for vehicles that would be turning into the access and Love Lane, from Oakleigh Road, or for vehicles turning right out of the access."

Earlier this year, dozens of angry residents holding placards protested against the plans. An action committee was also set up by residents.

Committee member Richard Deakin, aged 72, said the plans would have a major impact on roads in the area including Oak Leigh Road and Cobham Road, as well as Love Lane.