Around 125 households near the Forest Chip Inn filter-in-turn have been contacted by neighbours campaigning against the proposed development at Two Acres, between La Planque Lane and Les Nouettes Lane.
They are urging residents to raise their concerns with deputies ahead of a States debate on 24 November, when the land could be designated as a priority for affordable housing.
The site, currently partly-occupied by derelict greenhouses, has been earmarked for 26 homes, with access proposed from La Planque Lane.
Residents said the narrow, two-way lane had poor visibility, no pavements and a busy filter-in-turn nearby and already struggled to cope with traffic.
They were concerned that the development, along with the recently approved 84-home Mallard development nearby, could exacerbate the situation, especially for children walking or cycling to and from Forest Primary School.
Steff Moody, who has lived in the area for 21 years, said crossing the road by the filter-in-turn was already dangerous.
‘It’s hideous. Carnage,’ she said.
‘I take my puppy out for a walk every morning, and just by trying to cross from here, you’re taking your life into your hands.’
She also feared that increased traffic and footfall could compromise her privacy.
Fellow resident Steven Le Prevost, who prepared a detailed briefing circulated to neighbours, questioned how vehicles could safely enter and leave the proposed development.
‘The concern is that the traffic assessment on which they’re doing the approval is solely on the basis of access via La Planque Lane,’ he said.
He also raised concerns about suggestions that a one-way system could resolve access difficulties.
Residents believed the proposed density of approximately 60 homes per hectare was excessive, exceeding that of the nearby Mallard development, to which Mr Le Prevost said they had not objected.
The Two Acres site had already attracted significant opposition, particularly when earlier proposals suggested around 130 homes.
A Forest parish meeting in March drew such a large crowd that some residents were forced to listen from the corridor.
‘It was the highest attendance the Forest has ever had,’ said Mr Le Prevost. ‘People couldn’t get in.’
Despite the objections, an independent planning inspector concluded that access difficulties could be overcome and that the benefits of allocating the land outweighed concerns.
The Development & Planning Authority acknowledged access issues but believed that improvements could prove adequate.
However, Mr Le Prevost questioned why deputies were being asked to designate the land before those difficulties had been resolved.
‘The challenge we’ve got with the DPA is that they won’t actually come out and have a look at the site with us,’ he said.
‘Do they even know what they’re voting for?’
He said the landowners were already in discussions with developers and had indicated an intention to begin development within 12 to 18 months of designation.
While residents recognised the need for more affordable housing, they argued that road safety and access must be properly addressed before the site was allocated.
The States debate on 24 November concerns the designation of the land for affordable housing, rather than granting planning permission for the development itself. The campaigners are hoping to secure another parish meeting with deputies before the vote.
Responding to the residents’ concerns, DPA president Neil Inder defended the proposed designation.
‘All the sites that we’re asking the States to allocate as Priority Affordable Housing have been arrived at after a lot of evidence gathering, research, consultation and review,’ said Deputy Inder.
‘This doesn’t mean that these sites are perfect, but these are the best available sites for much needed affordable housing and it is our responsibility to propose these to the States for a final decision.’
He confirmed that Traffic and Highway Services, a part of Environment & Infrastructure, had identified the need for improvements to the existing access onto La Planque Lane to meet visibility standards.
‘The site is therefore considered to be a deliverable site, with the opportunity for a suitable access onto La Planque Lane, subject to improvements,’ he said.
Detailed access arrangements would be assessed at the pre-application and planning application stages if the States approves the designation.
A traffic impact assessment could also be required.
Deputy Inder confirmed that his vice-president, Deputy Lee Van Katwyk, had been approached by a resident, who was referred to staff because of a live planning application relating to the site.
‘This was to avoid any appearance of partiality if the DPA was required to make a decision on any planning permission for the site,’ he said.
The DPA will attend a Castel parish meeting this week and was willing to discuss whether a similar meeting could be arranged in the Forest before the States debate. It is also understood that at least some members of the DPA have visited the site in the Forest.