Villagers object to a housing development citing road safety concerns on A709 near Highfield Drive in Torthorwald.
A man named Mr. Oliphant wants to build eight houses. The location is land near Highfield Drive. He sent a plan to the local council. Council planners suggest building should proceed. There are rules about affordable homes and school contributions.
Thirteen people have objected to the housing plans. Seven objectors live in Highfield View. Four are from Highfield Court.
Locals worry about new roads joining the A709. They also worry about a new footpath. They claim danger will increase for those walking. One person wrote the access is on a bend, limiting clear sight. This could be risky for cars and people using the A709 road. They think accessing the estate will become dangerous.
People already worry about road safety in town. They met with council members and police before. This led to speed warning cameras added to roadways. The A709 gets lots of traffic and big trucks. People raised safety concerns about this road. They worry for drivers and pedestrians alike. Even with speed warnings, cars speed through town.
Torthorwald Community Council shared its road safety concerns. They did so in a letter to the council. However, they did not fully object to the project. The council letter mentions lots of traffic on the A709. Twenty-five thousand cars use this road every four weeks. Many haul timber to a sawmill. The road has a sharp bend posing threats.
Mr. Oliphant reduced his housing plan. He withdrew a plan for ten houses in 2024.
Council members will decide what happens next week. They will meet at a planning meeting.