A CONTROVERSIAL bid for a Droitwich housing estate has been held up by district councillors for the third time.

Midland and General Developments wants to build 65 houses on land at Impney Farm but the application has been held up by long-running concerns over an access road.

A decision over the Hanbury Road estate was deferred on Thursday, March 30, for a site visit, which took place on Thursday, April 6.

When Wychavon planning committee reconsidered the plans on Thursday, April 20, it again deferred a decision because of fears a possible access road on to the Hanbury Road would be dangerous and there would be pollution concerns from the nearby M5.

But five months later, councillors have deferred it a third time to look at the question of an alternative access road and the installation of traffic lights.

The Highways Agency gave the all-clear for the much-criticised access saying two mini-roundabouts would slow traffic on the Hanbury Road and the Environmental Health Office say pollution from the M5 would not be a concern. Councillors were not persuaded.

"Anyone who travels down the Hanbury Road comes down at a fast speed and it's a very dangerous place for an entrance," said Coun Charlie Richardson.

Coun Mike Barratt added that Droitwich Town Council was totally opposed to the plan and the entrance "is a ridiculous access road".

Coun Alan Hotham called for an alternative to the mini roundabouts saying lorries had to steer into oncoming traffic to go over them to avoid mounting the kerb.

"The traffic problem is ludicrous," said Coun Roy Seabourne, "If we have to lose a few trees for a better solution to site entrance then so be it."