Newtown is to get nearly 100 new homes despite fears the extra traffic generated could cause traffic chaos and restrict access to the town’s hospital.

More than 20 objections to housing at Lower Bryn, Bryn Lane, were received by Montgomeryshire planners as well as a petition against it, signed by 83 people.

Although planning committee members voiced concerns about potential problems from the development, they accepted they could not refuse consent because the land had been designated for housing.

Councillor Wynne Jones said: “Members of the public are very concerned about the highway issues. There are great problems in that area now and this will just add to those problems.

“I can quite understand people’s frustrations over this but it should have been raised when the unitary development plan was drawn up.”

Councillor Michael Jones said the application had been in the pipeline for two years. “The time for objecting was some considerable time ago,” he said.

A report said the site was split into three parts. One, currently open grazing land south of Bryn Lane would have 10 houses. The others, to the north, would take 50 and 34 houses respectively.

The applicants agreed to carry out work on Bryn La-ne, provide a continuation of the footpath, pay £1,500 to extend the speed limit in the area and £45,000 for a bus shelter and subsidy towards a bus service.

Play space and equipment would be provided as well as £30,000 to Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council to maintain it. The developer will also provide two classrooms at Penygloddfa School.

A wildlife survey must be carried out before building at Lower Bryn, Bryn Lane, after unconfirmed sightings of otters.