A PLAN for 17 houses in a north Essex village has sparked fears among residents that worsening traffic could be a “recipe for a serious accident”.

Arbora Homes has submitted a detailed planning application for the development in Fordham to Colchester Council.

But objections from neighbours have raised concerns the extra houses could increase the amount of traffic in the village and turn roads which connect to the A12 into “rat runs”.

According to the application, the number of access points for cars on to Plummers Road has been reduced from two to just one, after advice was sought from Essex Highways.

It says: “The application site is located in a sustainable location within close proximity to local amenities and transport links making the site easily accessible by various modes of transport, both public and private.

“Therefore, the pedestrian link that is proposed is key to enable a safe route to local facilities, without having to use the narrow existing footpath alongside Plummers Road.”

One resident said in their objection: “Creating a new joining point for the estate will cause a massive hazard, particularly as the road curves slightly leaving visibility very poor.

“Add in speeding HGVs, skip lorries, tractors, white vans and commuters all using it as a rat run to the A12 and you have a recipe for a very serious accident.”

Another said: “When are these increases in estates going to stop in our rural villages? These additional residents are only going to add to the unwanted traffic through our village and it’s just not appropriate.

There are many locations in Colchester that need regeneration and these areas would benefit from these houses.”

Other residents also criticised the proposed hours of operation during the construction period, which would include Saturdays from 8am1pm, if the plans are approved.

Outline permission for the scheme was granted by the council in 2021.

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