A CAMPAIGN has been launched by residents trying to stop a development of flats being built on a ‘dangerous’ road near their homes.

The Gazette revealed last week that an application had been submitted to build 12 flats on the corner of Chapel Street in Cam.

Several residents who live nearby have now started a campaign to stop the development going ahead.

The flats would be built on land next to the Foresters Bed and Breakfast where a large old property currently stands.

As part of the development Victoria Jennings, who applied for planning permission, plans to widen the road and pavement on Chapel Street and include a mini-roundabout near Everlands to make the area safer.

However residents in Station Road, Chapel Street, Spout House Lane and Rowley believe that the 12 flats will increase traffic, making the area even more dangerous.

Steve Knowlson, of Rowley, said: "I am one of a large group of local residents who strongly object to this proposal.

"Twelve flats on such a small site, on a blind bend, would be both far too intensive and also very dangerous. In fact, I couldn't think of a more unsuitable place to put a large block of flats - in the middle of a village, surrounded by cottages, on a blind bend."

Scott Temlett, of Rowley, added: "I think the road safety measures are just a way of getting the application granted. If Mrs Jennings has strong views on this corner, and she feels that she could improve this bend, she could do this without knocking down a wonderful, period property and replacing it with new flats, which would be not in keeping with the area."

Over 40 residents have now joined together as a residents' association to fight the proposals.

Victoria Jennings, who owns the Foresters Bed and Breakfast, said: "These will be quality flats, at premium prices sold to owner occupiers, mostly aimed at the over 50s and 60s.

"We are also helping highways create a safer environment for future generations. The safety angle is paramount - it is an opportunity to make the carriageway a proper width and the pavement a safe width the whole way around.

"If we cannot do a quality job we won’t do anything at all. The people who occupy these flats will also pay into the local economy, which will be good for Cam."