Objections don't put rail plans off track

11:19pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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A CONTROVERSIAL housing scheme alongside the railway line at Malvern Wells is being recommended for approval despite hundreds of objections from local residents, the parish council and other concerned groups.

The amended plan by Landmarque Sites Ltd to build 24 new homes on the Old Railway Goods Yard, off Peachfield Road, does not include any affordable housing and access to the site is immediatedly next to the humped road bridge over the railway line.

Residents are still extremely concerned about the drainage and possible flooding , the density and design of the scheme, as well as what they consider a dangerous site access.

One campaigner Terry Price, of Fruitlands, has written to Malvern Hills District Council, which meets to discuss the application on Wednesday May 21, requesting the issue is deferred for highway safety matters to be examined more closely.

Worcestershire County Council originally objected to the access on highways safety grounds but reversed that decision on May 1 using a different set of figures relating to vehicle speeds on Peachfield Road.

However Mr Price says the county council has not used the highest wet weather speed in its calculations, which the Highways Agency Design Manual for Roads and Bridges says should be used.

"I have requested it is deferred. There is an outstanding query with highways issues. I want a correct and proper assessment that is fair to everyone. There has been nothing looking at the safety of footpath users and I think that is a big ommission," he said.