ABERGAVENNY residents fear that a proposed residential development of 250 homes on the outskirts of the town will significantly increase traffic and anti-social behaviour and will overlook their homes.

Beverley Dale, of Greystones Crescent in Mardy, is among those to voiced concern over a plan by the developer Persimmon Homes to build new homes on greenfield land at Deri Farm.

Mrs Dale, who is a member of the campaign group Mardy Against Deri Development said Deri Farm should not be used for new housing. She believes the roads would not be able to cope with the extra traffic and is concerned that the entrance from Hereford Road would be on a blind bend.

Mrs Dale said there are already parking problems on Hereford Road especially outside the shop and post office where the cars are parked in illegal places, she claims.

Julia Aldous, of Poplars Road, also has concerns about anti-social behaviour and fly tipping.

“The isolated lane currently provides ideal access for burglars too,” she added.

Ian Vickary of Lansdown Drive, said: “No account has been taken in the traffic surveys of the increase in traffic at this busy junction when Morrisons supermarket opens.”

“Consideration should be given to remodelling this junction with either a roundabout or a longer right turn queuing lane in Hereford Road.”

The developer, in an application for outline planning permission, said it plans to tackle the traffic concerns by extending the existing 30mph speed limit on Hereford Road and to create a ‘ghost island’ right turn lane onto the estate.

The developer said the development has been sensitively designed and will include recreational spaces, new pedestrian and cycle links. It will also re-route high-voltage lines underground and remove two pylons.

Addressing concerns of properties overlooking one another, the design would see homes built with rear gardens back to back.

The application by Persimmon Homes concludes that ‘the site offers an opportunity to create a sustainable and inclusive residential extension to Abergavenny.’

The application has yet to be considered by Monmouthshire council’s planning officers.