CONCERNED residents fear a new development in Highworth will result in a major accident as it is to be built too close to a blind bend.

The group, who have campaigned tirelessly to prevent the development off Pentylands Lane, said that the developers have not listened to their concerns.

They attended a public exhibition, at the Highworth Community Centre, on Monday to study the controversial plans to build more than 50 homes on the site.

Taylor Wimpey gained outline planning permission in January for 53 homes, including 16 affordable homes, after Swindon Council’s planning refusal was overturned in an inquiry.

The developer is now consulting on a detailed planning application, which includes two, three and four bedroom houses designed around areas of green space.

The Pentylands Preservation Group, who have fought the development every step of the way, have claimed that the consultation is just a formality and their views are not being taken into account.

Chris Birdsall, who lives in St Michael’s Avenue where the access to the new development would be, said: “The consultation was a complete sham.

“They held it at the Northview Community Centre, which is the furthest possible place away from where the development will be and they held it on a Monday.

“There was no supporting literature to take away with you and any questions you had they replied to with well rehearsed statements.

“The whole consultation just seemed like a formality and I felt disheartened that I had genuine concerns that weren’t listened to.

“I fear that on that corner there will be a serious accident and by then Taylor Wimpey will have gone and be building in another field.”

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said the development would also see the developer contribute more than £580,000 towards public services and amenities in the town.

Improvements would also be made to roads, including new pedestrian crossings with dropped kerbs and tactile pavements near to the site.

“Access details to the development were approved in the outline application and have already been considered by the council,” he said.

An application for the detailed plans is due to next month.