RESIDENTS have launched a petition and are calling for a public meeting to discuss plans which they claim will cause traffic chaos and a loss of privacy.

Plans had been approved for 32 new houses to be built by Beezer Homes on land at the former Bedford Street School.

However new plans have now been submitted by a different company, Langtree Homes, which adds a further six buildings onto the site.

Residents are concerned that the extra cars will cause parking and traffic problems and that some of the buildings will overlook the church while services are going on, taking away churchgoers' privacy.

The petition is being organised by Barrie Durkin, who has been asked to help residents in his capacity as Conservative Campaign Organiser for the Alexandra Ward and as chairman of a neighbouring residents association.

He said: "People are worried and want more information. They are already fed up with the situation because the site has been left in a mess for too long.

"Families living in and around Bedford Street already face traffic problems. There may only be a few extra homes in the new plans but as each is allocated space for two cars it will increase traffic and cause even more bedlam."

A planning spokesperson said: "A report will go to the planning committee and if residents want to make their views known they should write in to us as soon as possible."

The plan is expected to be discussed at either the planning committee meeting on November 11 or December 9.

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