180 new homes approved for land on edge of Perton despite residents' traffic worries

Up to 180 new homes can be built on farmland on the edge of Perton – despite residents’ concerns about road safety.

The land to the west of Wrottesley Park Road has previously been earmarked for future development by South Staffordshire District Council.

The new homes, which were granted outline planning consent by planning committee members at their latest meeting, will form the second phase of planned residential growth to the west of Perton. The site is north of the previously approved Wrottesley Village development of 220 homes.

But South Staffordshire District Council received 26 comments from residents on the latest plans, as well as an objection from MP Mike Wood. He said: “The proposed access via Cobham Close and Leeveson Drive is wholly unsuitable for the anticipated traffic volumes.

“These roads are narrow, unadopted and unfinished and incapable of accommodating safe two-way traffic, frequently obstructed by on-street parking, creating hazards for vehicles and pedestrians.

“Additionally, raised drains and uneven surfaces pose safety risks; introducing an estimated 400 additional vehicles, plus construction traffic, will exacerbate congestion and increase accident risk.

“The suggestion of a bus route along these roads is impractical given theircurrent layout. Furthermore, reliance on a single access point for such a large development raises serious concerns about emergency access and resilience during roadworks or incidents.”

Amanda Loftus, who spoke against the proposals at the planning committee meeting, said: “Residents are not opposed to new housing – we understand that South Staffordshire needs new homes. The question is whether this is the right proposal with the right access – we do not believe it is.

“Highway safety is the issue most frequently raised by residents. Children cycle there, families walk there, parents with pushchairs and wheelchair users already have to enter the carriageway in places.

“This proposal would route all everyday traffic from another 180 homes through those streets. If that route is blocked by an accident, broken-down vehicle or roadworks, the whole development is affected – a development of this size should not depend on a single everyday access when an opportunity exists to provide a direct access onto Wrottesley Park Road.

“Infrastructure is another significant concern. Residents consistently describe increasing pressures on GP surgeries, schools, local roads and public transport.”

Andy Cowan, who spoke in support of the application, said: “The principle of development has been established on this site for many years. the site has been safeguarded for future residential development.

“The site’s primary access is via Wrottesley Village, and has been agreed. The highways authority has no concerns on capacity at any junction, including the site access roundabout, nor any sitewide highway safety concerns.

“Overall, the scheme does not present any highways issues and will improve access for existing and future residents into Perton. The scheme will deliver improvements across Wrottesley Park Road, it will also include other improvements to the pedestrian environment between Wrottesley Village, the new homes and Perton town centre.

“The council will be aware that the council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. This application benefit from an allocation in the emerging Local Plan and it is not speculative.”