RESIDENTS in a Derby village are becoming increasingly worried by controversial plans for 250 homes on "green-wedge" land.
A developer has applied to Derby City Council for outline planning permission for the houses at Acorn Way in Spondon and the authority will now decide whether to consider it.
The application has received 88 objections and only two from supporters.
Acorn Way development sits on "green-wedge" land which council documents describe as intended to "penetrate the urban area and provide an uninterrupted link to the countryside".
Residents in neighbouring Chaddesden are also angry about the proposals. In a letter of objection to Derby City Council, Sarah and Stephen James, of Oregon Way, Chaddesden, said: "We have concerns over increased traffic.
"Having a large Asda superstore on Derby Road already adds to the amount of traffic using this road.
"The extra volume of traffic would surely result in an increase in noise pollution.''
Derek Hathaway, a Spondon resident for 43 years, said he hoped the application would not reach the committee.
Dave Hayes, a volunteer at West Park Meadow nature reserve, said wildlife would be discouraged from visiting the centre if the application won the go-ahead.
He said: "People are waiting to see if it goes to the committee and I'd be surprised if it doesn't. It has the potential for adverse and negative effects."
Councillor Evonne Williams said she would be surprised to see the application go to the planning committee. She said: "The area should be kept as green-wedge land and not used for housing developments.
"In Spondon we've had 700 homes built in the last five years, so we're not opposed to new housing, it's just this site. It needs to be the right place for people. Green space should be for kids to enjoy.
"Most other residents have the same concerns and we are not anti-housing."
The ''green-wedge'' argument is one of the residents' main worries. Traffic congestion and school places are other areas of concern. Mrs Williams said: "The traffic situation is a nightmare. If we have 250 homes most of the families will have more than two cars, so that will create more congestion.''
A spokesman for the developers, British and Continental Co Ltd, said: "Two of the three directors at the company have links with Spondon and Chaddesden and we're confident the scheme will benefit the local area.
"This will be through sustaining local jobs, shops and with future residents getting involved in the local community."
