By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are fears plans to build 280 homes on the outskirts of a Cotswold town will worsen traffic woes at a busy roundabout.
Robert Hitchins Ltd wants permission to develop more than 33 acres of agricultural fields on the edge of Cirencester.
The proposals for land off Kingshill Lane, Preston, is due before Cotswold District Council’s planning committee on June 11.
Some 38 people have objected to the proposals along with Preston Parish Council, Cirencester Town Council and Siddington Parish Council.
“The area’s roads will not be suitable for the extra traffic following such a development as they already struggle and the nearby Steadings development has not yet completed,” an objector said.
“The development would add extra traffic to an already congested area especially Kingshill Lane and the Tesco roundabout, would impact heavily on the village of Preston by creating a contiguous area from Cirencester to the village itself, and likely generate a lot of traffic through and within the existing Kingshill Estate.
“The proposed 280 dwelling will increase traffic congestion along Kingshill Lane and its exit onto the A419 which is already bad in the rush at present and will be further exacerbated.”
Objectors also fear there is “now a danger that Cirencester and its suburbs will be over developed and some of the precious character of a lovely market town will be lost for good”.
“Continuous development around the town will just add to the overall traffic congestion and frustration we already experience,” they said.
“Almost continuous roadworks, creeping traffic at rush hour and insufficient and costly parking at present will only become worse.”
There are also concerns over the impact it will have on already struggling medical facilities, schools and community hubs.
They also say there is frequent flooding at the bottom of the hill on the main Swindon Road.
Consultants working on the scheme say it will provide a high quality, responsive and sustainable development which is achievable and deliverable.
“The overarching vision is to create a distinctive development with a strong identity that responds to the local character of the site, its position close to newly built development and environmental context to deliver a new development appropriate to its location and setting.
“The proposed development will create much needed housing in Cirencester in a sustainable location whilst improving public access across the site and to the wider pedestrian and cycle network.”
Officers have recommended approving the scheme as the benefits would outweigh any adverse impacts. Councillors will consider the plans at the meeting on June 11.