Devizes plans for 50 new homes will 'destroy community'

Construction has started on a 54-home Redcliffe Homes scheme at old Wiltshire Police land, between Quaker’s Walk and Parkfields in Devizes.

But some living in Parkfields, which will be one of the development’s access points, fear the increased traffic on their narrow roads could create danger for children and pets.

The junction between Parkfields and Roundway Park is too tight and narrow for multiple cars to use at once and the difficulties of this “bottleneck” were recently highlighted by an incident involving a Wessex Water van.

The driver cut the corner of the junction, causing damage to a boulder.

A Wessex Water spokesperson told this paper they had apologised, and the damage was repaired.

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The construction site (Image: Newsquest) But locals fear it is a sign of things to come.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The roads evidently cannot accommodate all the new housing and the extra traffic it will bring.

“The access at Parkfields Terrace should have never been approved.

“I have no objections to more houses being built on the site. But this scheme is poorly designed, as demonstrated by this incident.

“It’s only a matter of time before a child or pet is injured or killed, particularly at the Parkfields junction.”

There are also fears more homes and potential double yellow lines could cause parking issues.

Another resident added: “There’s a need for housing, nobody would argue with that.

“But the concerns of the people who live here have been ignored, the main one being that someone will get hurt at the junction.

“There’s a complete denial that they’re destroying a community.”

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Cars at the junction of Parkfields (Image: Newsquest) A Redcliffe Homes spokesperson said: “The approved scheme has been scrutinised in great detail by Wiltshire Council and also by the Planning Inspectorate at appeal.

“The planning consent imposed several highways-related planning conditions to ensure there is minimal disruption to residents which we will, of course, comply with.

“Residents should be aware we are forming a new access to the site on Quaker's Road which will serve both construction traffic and the completed development.

“All construction traffic will use only that access.”

The developer says it will work with residents to minimise disruption during construction.

A spokesperson added: “We will be upgrading and installing approximately twelve parking bays in the locality for the benefit of residents.

“We have already liaised with the community regarding our construction work and will continue to work with residents throughout the project to ensure disruption is minimised.”