A GROUP of Midsomer Norton residents have conducted their own traffic survey in a bid to show that the proposed development along the Chilcompton Road should be considered a non-starter.

The traffic survey was carried out at four different sites by eight volunteers between 7.30am and 9am and then again between 2.45pm and 5pm using counter clickers to ensure accuracy.

Northmead Road and Hayes Park Road recorded on average the highest numbers of vehicles per hour with more than 1,700 recorded by the group in morning and afternoon periods. Church Lane and North Road recorded the second highest on the day in both morning and afternoon periods with more than 1,140 vehicles on average per hour.

Spokesperson for the group Jackie Hammans said: “130 new houses will realistically generate a further 130 to 260 cars on our already congested roads. Very few people use public transport, walk or cycle.

“Parents drive their kids to school, and then have to drive to work. The roads are already congested at peak times so just imagine what they’ll be like with even more vehicles.

“Gridlock and chaos already exists in some areas and this potentially huge increase in traffic will add to this chaos and become an accident black spot.”

The group also says that Chilcompton Road is already in a very poor state, particularly travelling south through Chilcompton itself.

"Going northwards there are always large numbers of cars parked on the road as some of these cottages don’t have any off road parking. This obviously creates multiple hazards and an even higher volume of passing traffic will simply add to the congestion. There have already been accidents, the latest being a gentleman who was recently knocked over at the Redfield Road, Chilcompton Road and Clapton Road junction, unfortunately sustaining a broken ankle.

“As well as these traffic considerations, public services are already at full capacity. Residents can’t get NHS dental care, GP appointments are scarce, and secondary school places are running out.

“Adding another 130 more homes on top of the major developments already underway in and around Midsomer Norton is simply unviable,” she added.

The group says statistics from Bath & North East Somerset Council show Midsomer Norton acts as a significant town within the B&NES council area, which has seen overall population growth higher than the national average, and a population density of 3,672 people per km square.

Taylor Wimpey has submitted an outline planning application for the proposed housing development either side of the Chilcompton Road and called the development “a logical and sustainable extension to the existing settlement.” In a statement they said: “Our outline planning applications for up to 130 new homes, public open space and enhanced habitats for wildlife, have now been submitted to B&NES and Somerset Councils.

“We remain committed to continual engagement with both stakeholders and the local community as the consultation process continues.”

Details of the application can be viewed at: app.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=26%2F01621%2FOUT#details_Section