A PLAN to build homes on the fringe of a conservation area has raised concerns about the environment and road safety.

Numerous residents in the Church Road district of Astley signed a petition objecting to development plans for a small field bordering the conservation area, Church Road and the Stour Road estate.

To make suitable access to the planned 21-home estate, developers Redwaters construction plans to demolish two pre-war semis - 200 and 202 Church Road - almost opposite Coach Road.

One objector told the Journal : "We think we are just about at saturation point as regards housing in this area. These plans are not in keeping with the area and it seems to us with what has happened with development in The Meads, there is no point in having a conservation area."

Church Road resident Geoff Pennington said he felt the land earmarked for development was too small for the number of homes proposed. He feared further traffic disruption in Church Road which, he said, had increased since traffic-calming measures had been introduced in Princes Avenue.

Coun Steve Hellier said he had been approached by objectors but said he could not comment on the matter.

He said: "As vice chairman of the development control committee, it would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on this application before it is dealt with.

"I understand that the application will be on the agenda for the meeting on August 14. Any objectors are welcome to attend and one of their number will have the opportunity to address the committee."

Coun Hellier has requested the committee visit the site before making a decision.

"The practice of demolishing existing properties to facilitate access is becoming increasingly common," he said.

"This site is just outside the conservation area. The application for the three new dwellings at The Meads which is inside the conservation area was refused by the council but allowed by a planning inspector." UNDER THREAT: Land off Church Road and the Stour Road estate is the target for a 21-home development