A REDDITCH residents group says it is disappointed at losing its fight to block a new residential development from being built on land off Dixon Close.

But members have said they are delighted that they have established a “worthwhile relationship” with members of Redditch Council's planning committee.

Directors of Windsor Heights Management Limited (WHM) had opposed an application by Staffordshire-based Central  & Country Developments Ltd, to build 39 properties on the grounds of traffic congestion and that the new build would have a detrimental effect on residents already living in Dixon Close.

Although planning committee members approved the application at their meeting on April 9, they told the developer there would be a ban on construction traffic accessing the 2.22-acre site from Dixon Close. Instead contractors will have to reach the site via Enfield Industrial Estate.

Dawn Treasure, one of three WHM directors who addressed the meeting, said: “Although we lost our primary objective – that of halting the development – we were very pleased that the planning committee has insisted that no construction traffic is allowed to use Dixon Close.”

Josh Lorento, a fellow-director of WHM, which has been formed to look after the interests of Dixon Close residents, said: “There was a very full and frank discussion and for that we are very grateful. The developer won on points – he certainly didn’t land us with a knock-out blow.”

And Brad Jones, the third WHM director to speak at the meeting, added:  “I believe, as a new residents group, we have now established a worthwhile relationship with planning committee members.  Our next campaign is to get Redditch Council to formally ‘adopt’ Dixon Close – and councillors have already promised their help.”

A council spokesman said: "It is good that the planning process has been recognised as a balanced method for complex issues to be aired and debated, whatever the outcome.

"Adoption of a highway is a matter for the county council but it would appear that the road will be adopted in due course."