RESIDENTS oppose plans to build a new business park in Evesham due to the impact it will have on traffic.

The proposed development, which could cost more than £75m, includes a hotel, pub, restaurant and fast food outlet.

Developers want to build to the west of the Vale Business Park, next to the A46 and Cheltenham Road.

More than 1,000 jobs could be created at the Avon Business Park, with plans to construct industrial and distribution units, offices and a car showroom.

Terry Mckevitt, who owns the Abbey Garage petrol station in Evesham, warned that the development will create congestion.

“Currently there is traffic chaos with queues for miles around the proposed development entrance from the Cheltenham Road roundabout,” he said.

“I cannot believe that serious consideration could ever be given to allowing this project to go ahead.”

Alan McColm, of Spinney Grove, Evesham, said: “To introduce over 1,000 vehicles daily to the current gridlock is lunacy and of no benefit to Evesham, only the developer.

“The proposed enlargement of the existing roundabout will also cause even more disruption and gridlock to this heavily congested road.”

Mr McColm added that existing fast food outlets and hotels in the town fulfil the current demand.

He said that fast food restaurants attract anti-social behaviour in the evenings and that the outlet would inevitably apply for 24-hour opening times.

Stephanie Keen, of Rynal Place, Evesham, also raised concerns about the proposed development’s impact on traffic.

“I believe it will cause total mayhem to the town’s badly congested traffic, especially on the Cheltenham Road,” she said.

However some residents have backed the project, believing it will boost the local economy.

Joanna Pearce, of Jonagold Place, Evesham, said: “I am supporting this application. Bringing more businesses to Evesham will help our economy.

“An extra hotel, restaurant and pub will certainly be a bonus – we don’t have enough of them in Evesham.

“With regards to the restaurant and pub a recognised brand would be a good idea i.e. Nano’s, Harvester etc.”

Ms Pearce says the branded establishments could help to bring ‘the big players’ to the area.

St Modwen Developments, Christ Church Ltd and The JM Trustees of John Martin’s Charity were applicants in the outline planning application.

Peter Rudd, development director for St Modwen Developments, said: “The site will create traffic, there is no question about that.

“But the new entrance should alleviate congestion in the immediate area.”

Mr Rudd said the idea that 1,000 extra cars coming to the park sounded ridiculous, overhyped and exaggerated.

“The idea is to create jobs. It will bring benefits to the economy and only be good for Evesham,” he said.

Mr Rudd added that at a public consultation in November last year the project received overwhelming support.

The applicant emphasised that the pub, restaurant and hotel were a small part of the plan, making up three acres of the 50 acre site.