New housing plans in Southowram raise road safety issues among residents
Southowram: A new housing project is causing some worries. Residents are concerned about road safety. The plan is for up to nine homes on land off Bank Top.
The Calderdale Council Planning Committee approved the outline planning permission. They only looked at access for now. Design and layout details will come later.
Some residents objected to the plans. They think the access road is too narrow. They fear traffic problems could increase in an area with a history of accidents.
Traffic flows down a steep incline, making visibility poor. Residents worry about leaving the site onto a busy road often used as a shortcut.
Parking issues are also a concern. They believe new homes will add to the problem. Additionally, there are worries about the wet field and potential sewage issues.
One objector said the access route is impossible. He argued that building on a wet field is not sensible. However, council highways officers disagreed.
They stated that traffic speed was assessed and met national guidelines. Drivers are expected to drive safely, according to the officer.
An environmental health officer assured that foul water issues would be managed through planning conditions. This was in response to a question from Coun Sue Holdsworth.
Coun Joe Thompson raised concerns about safety. He noted 24 accidents at the site since 1999. He argued that the access does not allow for safe traffic flow.
However, the applicant’s agent, Adrian Rose, insisted the access met all standards. He said there were no grounds to refuse the application.
He also mentioned that sewage issues would be addressed in the site investment. Coun Steven Leigh expressed doubts about the access point’s suitability.
Despite concerns, most councillors agreed with the officers. They decided to permit the application with some conditions. A full application will follow to discuss design and other details.
