Housing boom sparks fear over extra traffic

Drivers are being warned of traffic misery when a series of new housing developments are built in South Staffordshire.

Some 1,081 new homes will be built in the area as part of a scheme to increase the number of houses for young people and families.

Almost 500 of the homes will be in Perton, Codsall and Bilbrook, with council officers warning the knock-on effect on roads around the new sites could lead to added pressure around Wolverhampton and Staffordshire's road network.

In a report on South Staffordshire site allocations compiled by Wolverhampton City Council, officers say traffic congestion on Tettenhall Road could increase by between eight and 11 per cent as a result of the developments over the next 14 years.

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Two proposed sites on Codsall are not expected to have a major impact on roads around Wolverhampton, although land in Perton where 163 new homes are proposed would drastically reduce the amount of green belt land between the city and South Staffordshire.

Residents have expressed concerns about the locations, with some fearing the area may turn into one large conurbation.

Cyril Randles, from Tettenhall Neighbourhood Plan, said he was 'extremely concerned' about the effect the new developments could have on the areas around Tettenhall Regis and Tettenhall Wightwick.

He said: "The road network around the village is already stretched and these plans will only increase traffic problems. The loss of green belt land is also a major issue.

"We want to see some separation between built-up areas but more housing would see them closer together. I would expect South Staffordshire Council to do all they can to ensure the development does not have a detrimental effect."

Wolverhampton City Council is working with South Staffordshire Council to pinpoint additional land for further development from 2028 to 2038.