A PROTEST group has been formed against plans to build 400 homes on fields near Allestree, with people concerned about the effect on traffic and school places.
News of the formation of Residents Against Development comes after developer Catesby Estates announced it would be holding a public consultation on its proposals on Friday.
It has also revealed that its planning application –which will be made to Amber Valley Borough Council, as it falls on its land rather than Derby City Council's – is set to be made in the autumn.
The firm says it has plans for a "high-quality development which will help to meet Derby's needs in a sustainable way".
But people living near the site have joined councillors and Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham in raising concerns over the Catesby proposals.
Win Sullivan, of Memorial Road which borders the site, along with Kedleston Road, said the protest group had only just been formed.
She said: "We are devastated because our view will be taken away. But that's not the only reason it's not a good idea.
"There's the extra traffic, the schools are full, and the doctor's surgeries are full."
Judie Deakin, 49, also of Memorial Road, said she felt the development was "absolutely horrendous".
She said: "It's the fact that Amber Valley Borough Council will get the taxes, but the people living there will be using our amenities.
"Kedleston Road will not be able to cope with the 500-plus extra cars. In the morning, now, it's already backed up past us from the city centre."
Naomi Fearn, 28, of Kedleston Road, said: "It's not just the views but the effect on the area.
"I've got a young son, so for me it's worrying that he might not be able to get a place in the schools we want him to if they are over-subscribed."
A Catesby spokesman said: "Our plans for a high-quality housing development will help to meet Derby's needs in a sustainable way, with a logical extension of Allestree.
"We are keen to hear what members of the local community have to say about our plans before they are finalised, so that people who live here can help to shape the future of their area."
Members of the project team will be on hand to discuss the proposals with local residents at a public exhibition at The Royal British Legion, 39 Cornhill, Allestree, Derby, on Saturday, from 2pm to 8pm.
Catesby's website says the scheme would include various types of homes catering for "first-time buyers to retirees, and everyone in between, with a focus on quality family housing".
On traffic, it adds: "The site is located near to existing major roads means that residents will enjoy easy access by car, as well as on foot or when cycling.
"The main road access would be from Kedleston Road.
"A bus loop in the centre of the development will provide links with the wider public transport network."
