CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a link road in Buckley have been given the green light.

An application to build a road between Alltami Road and Elfed Drive was approved on condition that bollards are included halfway through to deter speeding motorists.

The plans are part of an application by Persimmon Homes to build 89 homes near Field Farm Lane.

Yesterday furious residents descended on County Hall with a 1,000-signature petition in protest at the plans for the road which they said would become a ‘rat run’.

Buckley town councillor David Ellis told the planning meeting: “We have grave concerns that this new road will essentially be a bypass through the estate.

“Public safety is being compromised and it will have an immense impact on our quality life. It will only be a matter of time before a serious accident occurs.

“The installation of bollards is the only answer. They can easily be removed for the emergency services but they also stop the speedsters using it as a rat-run.”

The development was originally given outline permission in 1989.

Elfed Drive resident Steve Hampson added: “You have the ability to change this outdated plan. Any increase in traffic would increase the chance of an accident or even a death.”

Buckley councillor Carol Ellis believes efforts to provide a safe walking route to schools in the area will be put at risk.

She added: “We have had enough of collecting signatures and coming back to this committee time and again. We can’t accept it and we won’t accept it. You have got the ability to change people’s lives for the better. Please think of the children.”

Concerns were also raised about the overloading of the sewerage system after a number of homes in the area were flooded with raw sewage.

Stuart Andrew from Persimmon Homes reminded residents of the benefits of the development, including a large play area and improvements to footpaths.

The public gallery broke out into applause when the committee voted to approve plans on the condition that bollards are  installed.