Councillors have deferred making a decision on whether a new 150-house estate in Hatton should be allowed to use its temporary access for longer than originally planned.

Warwick District Council's (WDC) planning committee last week heard developer Taylor Wimpey "urgently" needs permission to use the junction created for its construction vehicles, to now allow new homeowners to access their properties at the Union View development.

When planning permission for the controversial development was granted, the developer was told new homeowners would have to access the estate off a new junction further along the Birmingham Road.

While some of the houses have now been completed and sold, work on the new turning for residents has only just started, with Hatton locals now facing 11 months of roadworks in the village.

Taylor Wimpey has now applied for permission to widen its construction traffic entrance to allow for both homeowners and contractors to enter the site.

Planning officers have recommended this be allowed, up until 40 homes are occupied, or until the new access is complete.

But local representative Cllr Peter Phillips, speaking against the application, said a decision should be deferred asking for a further traffic survey to be completed.

He also questions why the application went to the committee before the end of the public consultation period.

A CGI impression to the changes to the Birmingham Road junction (image via planning application)

"We are not here to serve the developer's urgent requirements," Cllr Phillips said. 

"They are taking a commercial risk. 

"And the planning committee should not be concerned with that risk and that is not a reason to hastily grant an application."

If approved, the plans would see bollards installed in the centre of the Birmingham Road to make the junction a left-in, left-out only turning.

But councillors - siding with the view of Hatton Parish Council - were not satisfied about the safety risks, particularly with officers unable to say how many HGV movements would be expected each day.

"Until we know that answer we cannot judge the dangers," said Cllr Pam Redford. 

"HGV's cars and pedestrians do not mix. 

"I don't see how we can make a decision without those sorts of questions being answered."

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of deferring a decision, asking for more information on the plans.