A SCHEME to build new homes alongside one of Felixstowe's busiest roads has still not been approved because of fears over traffic danger.Councillors visited the site to see the situation for themselves – and decided they could not allow the development to go ahead without reassurances that action would be taken to protect motorists and prevent accidents.

By Richard Cornwell

A SCHEME to build new homes alongside one of Felixstowe's busiest roads has still not been approved because of fears over traffic danger.

Councillors visited the site to see the situation for themselves – and decided they could not allow the development to go ahead without reassurances that action would be taken to protect motorists and prevent accidents.

The biggest fear is that the housing project features little parking for visitors to the new homes, delivery vehicles or tradesmen.

It is feared that tradesmen such as milkmen and dustmen may park on Garrison Lane rather than inside the new close, or park on the accessway, creating obstructions and hazards for other drivers.

Councillors have warned that it has the potential for a disaster.

Suffolk Coastal's development control sub committee yesterday deferred the application to build 12 homes off Garrison Lane and to seek further information from the highways authority.

The matter will now be discussed again by councillors at a later date.

The development, which it is also feared will put pedestrians at risk, and will look unsightly at the gateway to the resort, will be built between Candlet Grove and Taunton Road and will be the first access onto Garrison Lane between the traffic lights and Candlet Road.

This is the main route into Felixstowe town centre and seafront and used by thousands of vehicles every day.

A planning inspector has previously agreed an access would be acceptable, despite the worries over fast-moving traffic on Garrison Lane, where many drivers exceed the 30mph limit.

The inspector's decision is likely to mean the sub committee has to reluctantly give permission for the development, though it will be able to impose conditions to limit the impact.

Ideas being examined include fences and tree planting to screen the development from Garrison Lane, a pavement, and a possible ban on right-turns out of the development, forcing people to drive to the roundabout at the junction of Candlet Road and back.

WEBLINK: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk