SCHOOL governors say plans for a new housing development opposite a Haydon Bridge school could lead to road safety issues.

Developer Bellway Homes wants to expand its existing development at the Showfield by building an additional 75 homes.

But access to the new houses would be provided by the existing Showfield entrance, just off Allendale Road, which is directly opposite Shaftoe Trust Primary School.

Governors raised fears over the proposed development during the annual meeting of Haydon Parish Council.

Chairman of governors Geoff Jackson said he was maintaining a neutral standpoint on the homes, but will seek assurances over road safety at the school’s much-used eastern entrance.

He said: “Our main concern is the safety of the children, and the crossing from one side of the road to the other. At present, it is already chaotic at 3.15pm, for example.”

Mr Jackson said parking is restricted in the area, and that teachers usually bring children to the school gate, where they meet parents, to ensure a safe departure from school.

He added: “The major danger is an increase of traffic. You already see some vehicles speed around the corner on the way out of the village at that point, and if this proposal goes ahead, the school will fight very hard for a serious upgrade in the safety of that crossing.”

Mr Jackson said a reduction in the speed limit, from the existing 30mph to 20mph, would be essential, alongside other safety improvements.

He added: “We are neutral on the housing aspect. We are not neutral on the children’s safety. If we are not given assurances about the crossing then we will object to the application.”

The application by Bellway Homes, which was submitted last week, is expected to be discussed further by Haydon parish councillors at their June meeting.

However, members have already raised concerns over road safety, traffic congestion, flood risk, and the volume of houses proposed.