PLANS for 178 homes and a 90-room care home, opposite Broomfield Hospital, have been given the go-ahead - despite traffic worries.

Chelmsford Council’s planning committee approved Countryside Properties’ application to develop the land just off Hospital Approach.

However, concerns have been raised about possible problems with accessing the homes once they are built - and increased congestion on the surrounding streets.

Two junctions will link up the development with Hospital Approach, which would also be widened.

Members of Broomfield Parish Council believe an opportunity has been missed to create an access point on Blasford Hill.

John Blake, chairman of the parish’s planning committee, said: “Hospital Approach is already very congested at peak times with problems spilling onto adjoining roads, so access from Blasford Hill would benefit residents, patients and staff.

“Nothing has been done to ease this situation since the expansion of Broomfield Hospital ten years ago and it has got steadily worse.

“It cannot be allowed to drift on like this for another ten years.”

Graham Pooley, Lib Dem city councillor for Broomfield and The Walthams, echoed these concerns.

He said: “This is one of several developments lined up as part of the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan for the village which will add to the traffic problems locally.

“An access point on Blasford Hill would solve some of the issues of getting to the development and the hospital.”

Essex County Council highways officers told Chelmsford Council they were happy with the plans.

Vice-chairman Richard Poulter added: “We have to be guided by what the highways authority say and if they are happy, we are in a difficult position to argue against it.”