CONCERNED Droitwich residents are calling for a planning application to be refused amidst safety concerns over a ‘dangerous’ junction.

Previously, Persimmon Homes was granted planning permission to build up to 265 homes on land north of Pulley Lane and Newland Lane, Droitwich, with the condition that improvements would be made to Pulley Lane and the A38 junction.

But Wychavon District Council said the developers started work without complying with the condition and this led to a full hearing at the High Court in January and February, seeking an injunction to stop further development.

The district council then accepted that construction could continue, but agreed only 90 homes could be occupied before the junction improvements were made.

Persimmon voluntarily signed a Tomlin (consent) order to that affect.

But now Persimmon Homes have submitted another application asking for 210 homes to be occupied prior to improvements at the junction, arguing they had widened the road and were awaiting approval from Worcestershire County Council over the implementation of traffic lights.

Colin Beardwood, of Showell Close, Droitwich, said: “That is 210 houses before making the improvements. That is probably going to mean an extra 420 cars before anyone is doing anything about this.”

Commenting on the application, Alan Dale, of Newland Lane, said: “Persimmon from day one have ignored the requirements in carrying on building and selling houses whilst not carrying out the essential work of road widening, installation of traffic lights and the installation of pedestrian access to a bus route. This application should and must be rejected. I live on Newland Lane and know that the Pulley Lane/A38 junction is dangerous.”

Richard Morris, Worcestershire County Councillor (Conservative), who represents Droitwich West, said: “I very much want the developers to be held to what they originally said they would do to support the infrastructure at that site.”

On Monday, June 4, Droitwich Town Councillors recommended refusal on the application.

A Persimmon Homes spokesman said: “Persimmon Homes fully intend to implement the full scheme of off-site infrastructure works.”

“Pulley Lane has now been widened in line with the requirements of our planning permission and we continue to work jointly with Redrow Homes on the technical approval for the traffic lights to be implemented where Pulley Lane meets the A38.

“This planning application seeks to vary the number of occupations allowed on the site until these works are completed.”

Gary Williams, head of housing and planning at Wychavon District Council, said: “We have sought to enforce and take legal action in the courts at every stage of this development in order to ensure Persimmon abide by the planning conditions that were attached to their original planning permission.£

He added: “We have now been to the High Court on three occasions on this matter, the most recent of which was in May this year following an application made by Persimmon, and the judge once again found no merit in their application.”

The consultation ends on June 25. Visit plan.wychavon.gov.uk, and search 18/00929/OUT