EMOTIONS are still riding high, nearly a year after the decision to grant planning permission for a major housing development at Yew Tree Hill.

After one reader put up posters near the site, a surprising number of Droitwich Spa residents have been in touch with the Advertiser to express their ongoing concerns over the 740-home development to the south of town, and its impact on the road network and infrastructure around the area.

Resident Tim Jones from the south of Droitwich, said: “By the time Yew Tree Hill adds its weight to Copcut, the A38 will need to carry upwards of 1,000 cars twice a day, virtually none of the new residents will be working in Droitwich but instead be heading for the motorway network, mainly north, Droitwich is after all a commuter town. The road network simply cannot cope with such volumes.”

Primsland resident John Walker, said: “Traffic, already extremely frustrating at busy times, and on a knife edge where any incident however small brings utter chaos, will increase beyond the acceptable. Lengthy delays will become the normal situation, and any slight incident will result in complete and utter gridlock.”

David Brooke who lives off Primsland Way, said: “I just can't see how a development of this size can be given the go ahead when no real improvements are made to the infrastructure of Droitwich, whether it's the roads or public services.”

There is much anger still amongst residents over the way the application was dealt with by the planning department at Wychavon and by County Highways.

Local resident Carole Russell said: “If there had not been such a disgraceful lack of investigation and understanding of the area by County Highways and Wychavon Planning department the permission to build would most probably not have been granted. All the country lanes are going to be compromised by the amount of traffic generated.”

Stephanie Vale said: “The road through Tibberton will become a rat run and the A38 will be more clogged up than ever during peak periods. My heart sinks.”

Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for highways, Councillor John Smith, responded to the concerns, saying: "Planning permission was granted for this site by the Secretary of State following an appeal when residents' concerns about access were fully considered.

"The A38 is a strategic route and capable of carrying the traffic associated with these developments. Nevertheless, improvements to Pulley Lane by the A38 are proposed and would need to be implemented before occupation of the site. The works to the A38/Pulley Lane junction and Martin Hussingtree signals are aimed at improving the A38 corridor, which will encourage traffic from the site along this route rather than using the surrounding country lanes.

"Both the Copcut and Yew Tree developments have been assessed through the County Council Transport models to ensure any highways impact is acceptable, but where necessary transport infrastructure improvements are being provided by the developers. The County Council is currently liaising with the developers on the detail of the Newland Road Bus Lane and to ensure the safety of all road users they will be required to undertake road safety audits prior to carrying out any work."