THE developer behind plans to build 118 homes at the old Stourport Sixth Form Centre site has pledged to review the proposed access point after concerns were raised.

Homes builder Taylor Wimpey launched a consultation last week for the proposed Windermere Grange development, which would generate funds for essential repairs to the nearby Stourport High School.

The Minster Road high school is in need of repairs to the main fabric of the building, while heating and mechanical installations needed to be replaced, asbestos removed, buildings re-cladded and electrical wiring replaced.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The proposed housing development at the site of the old Stourport Sixth Form centreThe proposed housing development at the site of the old Stourport Sixth Form centre

Despite securing a number of financial grants, Severn Academies Education Trust (SAET), which runs Stourport High, was unable to raise the amount of money required, and agreed with the Secretary of State to sell the land to help fund the repairs.

An initial public consultation for up to 100 new homes was held by the school in April 2019, and concerns were then raised over the potential for traffic “gridlock” near the planned access point in Coniston Crescent - a popular walking route for schoolchildren from the nearby Burlish Park Primary School.

Taylor Wimpey is proposing to maintain the access point used for the former sixth form to the south of Coniston Crescent, which has already prompted a backlash from Stourport Town Council.

Councillor Chris Rogers told The Shuttle: “We welcome this housing development, but not with the entrance from Coniston Crescent. The traffic on the road at school times is already a problem.

"There are three schools in the area and already, you could not get an emergency vehicle up there. Add to that the number of houses they are proposing and you could be looking at another 200 vehicles on the road.

"It’s asking for a disaster.”

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A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We understand and appreciate the local community’s concerns with the proposed access point at Coniston Crescent.

"We have included this within our proposals for the site of the former Stourport Sixth Form Centre, as we believe it is a viable and technically deliverable option.

“However, we are committed to reviewing The Kingsway as an alternative access point for the proposed development in conjunction with the district and town council .”

The online consultation will run until October 30. People can have their say at taylorwimpey.co.uk/windermeregrange. Comments can also be made via email to windermeregrange@taylorwimpey-pr.co.uk.