TRAFFIC lights to a new housing development have left homeowners seeing red.

People living in Downswood say temporary lights at the entrance to Mote House off Willington Street are already causing “absolute chaos” and fear it will continue when permanent lights are installed.

Mote House is being converted into retirement flats with other housing around it, providing 87 homes.

When Maidstone council considered the planning application from Raven Audley Court in 2006, it imposed a condition that traffic lights be provided at the junction of the new access with Willington Street and Madginford Road, at the request of Kent Highways.

Martin Hegley said: “The temporary traffic lights have created absolute chaos in the area, particularly Downswood, which has now become a rat run.

“Local residents quality of life has been disrupted by the questionable decision to allow a small private development to site traffic lights on a main highway.

“Even the nearby Park and Ride site does not have the benefit of lights.”

John Everett, the chairman of Downswood Community Association said: “These traffic lights are causing unbelievable congestion. Over the past week I have experienced traffic queuing back down Willington Street to the brow of the hill, which anyone with any sense knows is a dangerous area to have a queue of traffic, especially when drivers are increasing their speed to get up the hill.

“I have also seen traffic queuing back as far a School Lane and the Willington Street/Ashford Road traffic lights during rush hour times. This not only clogs up both these junctions but encourages frustrated motorists to drive down the wrong side of Willington Street and into Deringwood.

“I understand the permanent traffic lights will be operated in favour of Willington Street traffic, but having traffic lights positioned at this junction will encourage more traffic through Downswood and up Spot Lane, which we really do not need. Was the effect on roads through Downswood ever considered?”

Phil Scrivener for KCC said: “Maidstone council, as local planning authority, dealt with the planning application and undertook the required consultation procedures in respect of this application.

“All details were available to view at the borough council offices and on their website.

“The site supervision staff have been made aware of the problems faced by residents while the temporary traffic signals are in operation and have arranged for the period of manual operation to be extended during peak periods.

“These problems should subside once the permanent signals are installed as these will be more efficient than the temporary traffic signal, being responsive to demand and linked to the Ashford Road traffic signals. We will however monitor the situation once the works are complete.”