Dear Editor,

We are extremely concerned to hear of the proposed development site in the Bridstow and Wilton neighbourhood plan drafted by the Steering Group (as reported by Martin Bell in the December 8th edition)

The site proposed is on the highly visible Duchy of Cornwall land between Bridstow School, Wells Brook, the A49 and the Hoarwithy road, in an area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB).

As Mr Bell states there are only three houses immediately adjacent to the field, but there are two others on the immediate opposite side of Hoarwithy road (including the one where we live) and many others in Bridstow, Poolmill, Buckcastle Hill and the Claytons overlooking this area.

The majority of Bridstow parishioners who were surveyed early in 2016 to identify local priorities and to suggest where 50 or so new houses should be built, to help underpin a neighbourhood development plan for the next 10 to 15 years, expressed a preference for small clusters of new housing rather than large developments.

The emerging plan, however, appears to ignore these views and proposes instead one large development site. Highly visible, and with major access problems.

The site of perhaps 30+ houses would rely on access from the Hoarwithy road close to the junction with the A49. Considering the amount of HGV, farm traffic and local traffic that already uses this fairly steep, narrow and bendy road this appears to be a recipe for disaster as far as road safety is concerned.

The amount of visibility on the junction when entering or leaving the proposed development would be far less than that usually permitted.

Any new extra traffic from this junction could have a substantial impact on traffic emerging on to the A49, perhaps causing a backlog in both ways. The A49 is already considered a fairly ‘dangerous road’ between Ross and Hereford and any extra traffic pressure would surely not help. Also pressure on the Hoarwithy road itself could be considerable.

It would appear that another large site on the other side of the Hoarwithy road is also being considered, maybe as an alternative if the Duchy plan falls through.

Again the access problems with this site are not easy, with access either directly onto the A49 or from Cosy Lane, a small, narrow and already difficult access lane which for part of its length is already one way only.

The Neighbourhood plan is the villagers plan for the growth of the village and everyone in the parish has an interest, whether or not we own property, land or just live here.

Perhaps a more expansive and inclusive approach looking at smaller sites around the village should be considered so that the plan reflects all of our views, not just those who may be seeking to avoid any development in their own back yards.

Peter and Pamela Brown

Bridstow