RESIDENTS have opposed plans to build properties in Higher Fraddon following concerns the scheme will be an overdevelopment.

A planning proposal has been submitted to construct up to eight residential dwellings on land north of Paddocks End.

Villagers objecting to the plans argue the lane would not be able to cope with extra traffic and will make the route more unsafe.

But Business Location Services Ltd, on behalf of the applicant, states there is a need to increase housing supply and that the proposed development makes for “efficient use” of the land.

It adds the application site is “well related” to the existing built form of Higher Fraddon, services as well as community facilities and is in a highly accessible and sustainable location.

Resident Zoe Schofield said: “The lane is already heavily used and struggles to cope with current vehicle numbers.

“Adding traffic from eight additional homes would significantly increase congestion and create further danger for pedestrians, cyclists, residents, and other road users.”

Tracey Milsom added: “This road is not fit for purpose to accommodate the additional traffic that would be generated by eight new dwellings.

“Pit Lane is narrow, lacks pavements, and functions only as a byway, making it unsuitable for increased vehicular use alongside pedestrian activity.

“There is currently no dedicated footpath, which presents a significant safety risk for pedestrians, including children, the elderly, and those with limited mobility.

“Any increase in traffic volume would further exacerbate this danger, as vehicles and pedestrians are forced to share the same constrained space.

“Given these concerns, I believe the proposed development is unsustainable in its current form due to inadequate and unsafe access infrastructure.”

Paul Smith said: “I feel we must strongly object. The lane from Fraddon Hill Road just cannot take any more heavy traffic.

“There are no footpaths for pedestrians and no street lighting. It is narrow in parts with blind corners on both ends of the path. There are no official passing areas.

“It is used by many residents of Higher Fraddon and Pedna Carn as an access to Indian Queens Schools all through the day especially at the start and end of the day, for shopping and to gain access to public service buses.

“It is used by many walkers, horse riders, cyclists and dog walkers, throughout the day and nighttime. “The lane leading to Pit Lane from the Fraddon Hill Road has no footpath and is heavily congested in the mornings and throughout the day by large articulated 40 tonne duo-Liners bringing waste to the biogas plant.

“They are supposed to come up singly but there have been many times, they have come up together.”

Business Location Services Ltd stated: “In light of the significant national increase in housing targets the council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing supply.

“The proposed development therefore responds fully to the housing crisis by increasing the supply of housing and improving the availability and access to new homes and helping to deliver the revised housing targets, which weighs heavily in favour of the proposal.”