We are a group of local residents who OPPOSE the development of new homes on Woodside Road in Abbots Langley.

We have expressed our concerns to the council regarding the proposed development of new homes by Taylor Wimpey on Woodside Road, as recently outlined in the public consultation. While we acknowledge the need for new housing, we feel that the current plans pose several challenges that must be addressed BEFORE construction starts to ensure the development is sustainable and does not adversely affect the local community.

Traffic and Infrastructure

The proposed development raises significant concerns about the strain it would place on the local road network. Our specific concerns include:

1. High Elms Lane and Chequers Lane: These roads are narrow, poorly maintained, and riddled with potholes, making them hazardous. In their current state, they are ill-equipped to manage existing traffic volumes, let alone the additional demand the development would bring.

2. Flooding Issues: Both High Elms Lane and Chequers Lane are prone to flooding after heavy rain. This has previously caused severe disruptions, including under the bridge near the A405 on Chequers Lane and along High Elms Lane. Without flood prevention measures, introducing more traffic will exacerbate delays and safety risks.

3. School Traffic and Estate Use: The estate is already used extensively for school drop-offs and pick-ups for Parmiter's and St. Michael’s Schools, creating significant congestion during peak hours. Adding a new entrance for the development within the estate would further exacerbate this issue. The junction at Fraser Crescent and Moore Road, which would become a focal point for traffic from the new homes and the proposed new primary school, is a partially blind junction situated next to a play park and pedestrian crossings. This makes it unsuitable and unsafe for the additional volume of school-related and residential traffic.

Additionally, the development process itself will bring considerable site traffic, including construction vehicles and heavy machinery. This will further strain the estate's roads, which are not designed to accommodate such traffic, and pose additional safety risks to residents, including children using the nearby play park and pedestrian crossings. Proper planning and alternative access points must be prioritized to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of the community during construction.

A Call for Better Access and Traffic Management

We strongly believe that routing traffic through the estate as a primary access point is a flawed approach. This will worsen existing congestion, heighten safety risks near sensitive areas such as parks and crossings, and disproportionately impact the local community.

Public Services and Amenities

The local infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools, and public transport, is already overburdened:

· Healthcare: Local GP surgeries and dentists are struggling with long wait times and limited NHS capacity. Adding more residents without improving these services will only deepen the crisis.

· Schools: Secondary schools in the area are oversubscribed, forcing families to send their children out of the area. The proposed development will increase demand on already stretched resources.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

We are concerned about the environmental and safety impacts of the proposed development:

· Loss of Green Space: The site currently provides natural habitats for deer, foxes, horses as well as recreational opportunities. Replacing these fields with housing contradicts claims of offering environmental benefits.

· Road Safety: Increased traffic on narrow, poorly maintained roads will heighten the risk of accidents and compromise the safety of residents and all pupils on their way to Parmiters and St Michael's schools.

Suggested Improvements

We urge the council to consider the following to mitigate the impact of this development:

1. Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan: Addressing road maintenance, widening where necessary, and implementing flood prevention measures for High Elms Lane and Chequers Lane. 

2. Enhanced Public Services: Clear commitment to build or expand schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport routes to support the additional residents.

3. Transparent Financial Contributions: A clear plan for how financial contributions will be used to benefit the local community.

Request for Written Assurances

While vague verbal assurances have been given during consultations, we request formal written commitments and a realistic and detailed plan to address these concerns BEFORE the development proceeds. 

IT IS TIME TO ACT NOW WHILE WE STILL HAVE A CHANCE, SUPPORT OUR PETITION NOW AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.