DESPITE claims from objectors that the proposed access will put children's safety at risk, an outline planning application for up to 233 homes in Corbridge has won approval.

Access proved to be the main issue of contention when the proposal by Gladman Developments, for land off Milkwell Lane near Corbridge Middle School, was considered by members of Northumberland County Council's strategic planning committee earlier today.

Despite passionate presentations from chairman of Corbridge Parish Council, Coun. Maurice Hodgson and chartered structural engineer, Coun Marc Horn, the committee voted 13-1 to support the recommendation of senior planning officer, Caroline Jones, and approve the application with over 40 conditions.

County councillor for Corbridge, Coun. Jean Fearon was a lone voice among her colleagues when she was the only councillor to vote against approval.

However, in a heated debate, several members of the committee sought reassurances from council highways and planning officers that they were satisfied the scheme's only access via the narrow Cow Lane met the necessary safety requirements.

Allendale's Coun. Colin Horncastle said: "It's clear many people, the parish council and the middle school in Corbridge aren't happy about this.

"But we have our own paid professionals who deal with things like access issues, day in, day out, so if they say it is safe, we have to go with our officers."

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