THE POTENTIAL development of 100 homes near Dursley Primary Academy has raised concerns from parents about the dangers posed by the increased traffic.

While the details are yet to be decided on following a further public consultation, developers Hunter Page Planning are seeking to build a range of one-bedroom to four-bedroom homes on the site off of Shakespeare Road in Woodmancote.

A public meeting was held at Dursley Methodist Church on Tuesday so the developers could gather any initial concerns from residents before detailed plans were drawn up and a planning application was submitted for the green field site.

Around 100 people attended and it appeared that the majority shared concerns about the build up of traffic on the busy and narrow road, which was already in a poor condition and a number of residents said they had witnessed accidents.

Kim McMillan, 45, who lives on Tennyson Road which lies adjacent to Shakespeare Road, told the Gazette she was concerned about the danger the extra traffic could pose to her two children Kyle, 10 and Keira, eight, walking to and from the academy.

“The extra traffic that’s going to be created is going to make the entrance they are thinking of using dangerous for children and adults,” said the procurement specialist for Berkeley Power Station.

Other current problems which are thought will be increased with the extra homes included schools and doctors’ surgeries already full and problems with the sewerage system.

Another member of the audience, Terry Pascoe, said: “It is one of the most beautiful places in the area. With this application, this will cease to be.

“We have an area of outstanding natural beauty and it is looking like we are going to build houses there.”

Gladedale Estates have hired to Hunter Page Planning for the development and hold the option of buying the land if planning application is approved from the family of Dursley Mayor Cllr Jane Ball.

As part of the plans, around half of the site is being earmarked for green space, which Hunter Page Planning assured members of the public would be legally protected from any further construction.

There is also a portion of land to the north east of the planned area, next to Highfields, which may possibly be used for further housing in the future.

Hunter Page Planning director Guy Wakefield told the audience that because Stroud District Council had been found to not have a five-year supply of housing in recent planning appeals, it allowed developers to look at planning applications outside of settlement boundaries.

“We will listen to all these consultation responses and see whether we are going forward with it as it is or make amendments accordingly,” he said.

“Most people here I am sure will object to this but at least we have come here to talk to you.”

Another public consultation is planned to be held at the Dursley Methodist Church on Friday, February 28 from 2pm to 8pm to see a more detailed layout of the proposal.

Hunter Page Planning hope to submit an outline planning application within six to eight weeks.

Dursley Primary Academy headteacher Paul Daniels and Cllr Ball were unavailable for comment.