RESIDENTS say plans to build 200 new homes on land near Grimsby's hospital will "only make traffic worse".
As reported, proposals have been revealed for the new homes to the south of the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, either side of Forsythia Drive.
The announcement came just days after Cyden Homes unveiled plans to build a further 100 houses to the north of the hospital, though the applications are not related.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, aims to sell the land to the south with outline planning permission for the development by March 2015.
The Trust said it no longer needed the land, which includes the former cricket pitch, which would be retained as part of green space. The on-site helipad for the air ambulance is no longer used – helicopters now land at the nearby Scartho Rugby Club.
The proposals also include the relocation of some staff car parking to another part of the hospital, following demolition of some unused buildings. The Trust's director of facilities Jug Johal said: "We have had an excellent response at our consultation event and we have received a lot of useful feedback.
"The biggest clarification we have had to make was actually regarding where the development is, as there have been a lot of residents saying they are confused with the Cyden Homes development. Accessibility also seems to be a major concern.
"With 200 new homes and more vehicles there will inevitably be more traffic, but this consultation allows us to take on board those concerns before we submit anything to the council, who we are working very closely with to make sure these concerns are negated."
The area of land is located to the south of the main hospital buildings, and is the subject of a Development Framework adopted by North East Lincolnshire Council in July.
Local residents and staff had their chance to view the proposals and ask any question at a consultation event.
Pelham Avenue resident Michael White, 66, said: "I certainly am concerned by the likelihood of additional traffic.
"Enough people cut through Pelham Avenue as it is and that's only going to get worse with 200 new homes.
"Saying that, I don't have any objections to the houses themselves as they obviously need to go somewhere."
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "I find these plans to be absolutely ridiculous to be honest – the traffic is going to cause chaos.
"I live nearby and people already cut through the back gates and park at Scartho Top as well. These new proposals aren't going to stop that at all, if anything it's going to make it worse.
"If anything this could cut off the entrance. It's difficult enough as it is to find somewhere to park."
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