PLANS to build 120 new homes near an accident blackspot in a small village have been met with a volley of criticism from residents.

Property company Telford Homes wants the development on the site of a garden centre in the High Road in Thornwood, close to where motorcyclist Sascha Brand was killed earlier this month, after the latest in a series of crashes.

More than 50 residents attended a meeting with the developer on Saturday (January 22), and fear the extra traffic caused by the new homes will worsen the already dangerous traffic conditions.

Fiona Daniels, 46, of Brookfields, said: “Telford Homes came across as misinformed and very blasé. I don’t think they care about the views of residents at all.

“Traffic is already heavy enough around here and this development will only make it worse.

“It’s still very raw after that young lad died. It’s right by where the accident happened.

“It will be lethal for children, and I think it will cause a lot of accidents.”

Neighbour Mick Sheen, 66, said: “This development is on green belt land, so it’s an erosion of that.

“This village has been prone to flooding for years and although the plan is to build a lake in the middle of the development, if you build there you reduce the area that can soak up water.

“There are 364 homes here at the moment and they’re not very concentrated. This will completely disrupt the balance of the village.”

Telford has yet to submit a formal planning application for the site.

It’s managing director, Mark Parker, said: “The consultation meeting held on Saturday was a chance for local residents to come and review the proposed scheme and provide us with their feedback.

“We take all comments into consideration to ensure the best scheme for all is moved forward.

“We will work in conjunction with the local residents, the local council and the county council as the design of the scheme progresses, to ensure the final junction design adds to the safety of Thornwood Common residents and improves the current situation.”