Fears suburb is growing to 'size of a small town' as 96 houses approved

CONCERNS THE AREA WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC AS THE PLANS ARE GRANTED GO AHEAD

- By NIGEL SLATER Local democracy reporter

ALMOST 100 homes have been given the go-ahead at a busy Derby suburb despite claims it has become "the size of a town" and cannot cope with traffic.

Controversial proposals to build 96 new homes on land next to The Hollow, off the A38, were approved at a planning meeting - with planning permission granted via just a single vote.

Derby City Council officers had recommended approval prior to the passionate meeting partly based on the need for new homes in the city.

However, speakers before the vote took place raised serious fears over transport and traffic.

One resident claimed the nearest bus stop to the Wheeldon Brothers-led development would be a nine-minute walk for those living there.

And councillor Alison Holmes said at the meeting that "thousands" of new homes had been built in Mickleover over the years - resulting in huge traffic problems for the area.

She said: "Mickleover is now the size of a town still with village roads and infrastructure.

"Many residents have significant parking issues outside their homes and many can't cross the road safely.