Plans to build 100 new homes at the site of a science centre have been slated over fears the development will cause “disruption” to those who depend on a nearby care home.

Developer Crest Nicholson is proposing to replace the existing buildings at the Building Research Establishment site, in Bucknalls Lane, Garston, with associated access from The Kestrels in the neighbouring road.

However, neighbours are concerned the access road - which is located in a residential road, where the HSN Care Home is based - will lead to an increase in “unacceptable” traffic and noise levels.

A. Barclay, who lives in Bucknalls Drive, Bricket Wood, fears there will be a “strain on the infrastructure” of the village.

They said: “The use of The Kestrels as an access roads disgusts us in view of the fact that this tiny side road provides a quiet and peaceful location for a home for severely handicapped young people.”

Mick Freeman, head of planning at St Stephen Parish Council, said: “There is a care home at the end of the road where there will be vehicles taking disabled people out and so they need the room, rather than the threat of traffic congestion.

“The road is not designed to take all that traffic. You’re squeezing a quart into a pint pot.”

Cllr Dorothy Kerry, who represents Bricket Wood West, added: “The area does need more housing but the plans for access road are wrong.

“One of the major issues with the development is the amount of extra noise and pollution that it will produce, as it will disturb those in the care home.

“The access road should lead to a different area such as the nearby A405 rather than a residential road.”

A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “Relocating the access to The Kestrels provides a range of benefits for residents and the local community.

“The new access will enhance the sustainability of the site both in terms of increasing residents’ accessibility to local services and by enhancing social cohesiveness.

“The current access arrangements provide for a convoluted route in and out of the site, whilst the proposed revised access point will allow for a more direct access to new areas of open space and woodland paths for both residents and the wider community.”

Despite the councillors' objections, Jack Goulde, the chief executive at HSN Care Home said: "Following detailed discussions with Crest Nicholson I am very pleased that they have addressed the concerns that we raised previously concerning the potential impact of their proposals on our Care Home, which adjoins the proposed new access road.

"Crest Nicholson has attended to all of our concerns and has dealt sympathetically and professionally to address them. We have therefore withdrawn our objection and now endorse the application and commend it to the council for approval."