The proposal is for the Saltash sewage treatment works site in Coombe Road where Viridor, which is part of South West Water Ltd, hopes to build the properties, each with double garage.
Residents contend the lane, from Coombe Road, is much too narrow to take extra traffic. They maintain lives of children and elderly people will be put in danger if the go-ahead is given. The residents point out that at present there is just one parking place - which is privately owned. However, confusion was evident when the applicant's traffic engineer Mark Baker, said another passing place was to be provided. When the site of this was identified resident Rosemary Bell stressed that as far as she is concerned it is part of her garden. She has now contacted solicitors about the matter. Mrs Bell had earlier pointed out that SWW's lorries had arrived from 6.30-7am and then left around 7.30pm - times everyone knew. She also said her wall is already knocked down about four times a year due to the narrow width of the access lane.
Mrs Bell's neighbour, Liz Warren, had already staged her own demonstration, by trying to drive her car down the lane while councillors were travelling up in their vehicles to the site. This caused a static traffic jam, until Mrs Warren backed her vehicle - but not until after she had made her point.
Nina Lillie had said the lane was a pedestrian access, with children walking to school. She said at the moment adults, with youngsters, are having to dodge cars, but if the amount of traffic is increased - as would happen if the houses are built - then extra danger would definitely be caused.
Applause was given at the meeting, chaired by Caradon chairman and Saltash councillor Steve Tait, to county surveyor's representative, Craig Oates. He had said the county had recommended refusal, due to the visibility and narrowness of the access lane.
Another matter involving the lane was whether or not it could be adopted in entirety. Mr Blake said a separate management committee would be organised to serve the open space in the site, and this would also serve the road.
Suzanne Bolton, of the Babis All Community Residents Association, said: 'The feeling in this community is, that if the said dwellings are allowed to be built, the congestion in this small valley will do damage to the quality of life shared by everyone living in this community. This way of life will be disrupted if the proposed dwellings go ahead because of the hectic increase in traffic. No longer will people be able to share the peacefulness that Coombe is known for.'
Officers had said in a previous report that it is a sensitive waterfront site which is particularly visible from the approach to, and on, the Tamar Bridge. But as they believed it a suitable form of redevelopment for a brownfield site on the edge of Saltash they recommended it for approval.
The matter will be debated at Luxstowe House, Liskeard on August 29 at a full meeting of the council.