‘There’s going to be an accident!’ Villager raises traffic fears as 57 homes could be added to Nettleham estate

A man living with building work on the other side of his fence says he’s dismayed that another 57 homes could be added to the estate.

Stuart Twitchett, a retired business owner, moved from London to Nettleham with the hope of enjoying village life.

A new estate of 63 homes was approved next to his house on the Hawthorns five years ago, leaving him looking at construction around a metre away from his property.

Now plans have been submitted for another 57 homes to make the estate even bigger, all using the same access road.

Stuart is worried about the amount of homes which would have the small cul-de-sac as the only entrance and exit.

“The road was never made for this much traffic. It can easily be blocked by a vehicle on each side of the road,” he said.

“There’s going to be an accident sooner or later. There are plenty of blind driveways here, and all it takes is for a maniac to speed down.

“They should have built a new road, like the temporary dirt one they’ve made for the construction traffic.”

A garage belonging to one of the already-approved properties is currently being built just the other side of his garden fence.

“Once the roof goes on, it’s going to block all of the light to the kitchen,” Stuart, who has lived in the house for 22 years, said.

“I never knew it was going to be this close. If I did, I would have said something.

“That site used to be an open field with a lovely view of the Wolds – now all I can see is diggers.”

The new application has been made by property consultancy Mather Jamie on behalf of Mr and Mrs Pickwell, and 14 of the 67 homes would be priced affordably.

Other residents on the Hawthorns are less concerned about more development in the area.

Brian Cairnie, who is in the building trade, said: “I can’t really take issue given my job.

“Construction is the backbone of the economy – it builds the homes that people need. It would be nice if there were more affordable housing.

“Unfortunately, the only place to build on in rural areas is on rural land.”

Another local resident who asked not to be named said: “We were told to expect new homes to be built in 10 years and it turned out to be 25, so we can’t complain too much.

“Whatever we say, the government’s determined to build more homes so it won’t matter much.

“Another 57 homes won’t make too much of a difference.”

A spokesperson for Mathers Jamie said: “The site is allocated for development in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan and the application is wholly in accordance with those allocations.

“Further, the applicants have fully adhered to the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan policies and are striving to bring forward a high-quality development.”

The plans have been submitted to West Lindsey District Council, and are currently open for consultation.