CONCERN is growing of the size of a proposed housing development in Carnforth.

Many residents in the Redruth Drive area are alarmed at plans to develop a 71-house scheme at the end of what is currently a cul-de-sac.

An outline planning application has been submitted by Merewood Homes and, while there's no objection to the scheme in general, it's mainly the size of the project, a mixture of starter, three-bedroom and detached properties, which has sparked the alarm, as local councillor Gregg Beaman, explains.

"I really feel for these residents because it's not just a case of NIMBY syndrome. What is needed here is a reasonable approach from both developers and officers and some reassurance for the residents whose lives will be affected by this," said the councillor.

The main concern is that the size of the scheme will have a dramatic impact on traffic access to the A6. Some residents estimate that the new estate could mean up to 100 vehicles needing to use Redruth Drive.

"When people first bought their houses up here they were on a quiet cul-de-sac and the only potential plans for the land at the end of the road were for a primary school which is substantially different to this scheme," explained Cllr Beaman.

Residents have called for a traffic impact survey to be carried out but this has been refused by the council's planning officers.

"I realise it is not a statutory requirement but surely it would be good practice and would go a long way to calming the fears of residents," he said.

"We have the chance to do this right from the start and the least plannig officers can do is listen to the people who are actually affected by this."

The planning officer dealing with this issue was unavailable for comment when contacted by The Citizen earlier this week.