PLANS to build a new car park in Hexham’s east end have been approved, despite a raft of safety concerns from a neighbouring school.

An application to create 28 new parking bays on last west of Dene Park play area was approved by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee this week.

It will be built on grassland in between Dene Park House care home and Dene Park play area.

An extension to the existing car park to the east of Dene Park House, it will be used by its 134 staff. An additional shared car park to the south of Dene Park House will be used by Hexham’s Priory School, increasing its parking capacity by eight spaces.

However, it is the access route that has sparked serious concern both from Hexham Priory School and local residents.

Hexham Priory School and Dene Park House share access from Corbridge Road, leading past the entrance of the school.

The school currently has 83 pupils aged from two to 19 years old, many with severe learning difficulties and little road safety awareness.

Fifty four objections were lodged against the application, citing the dangers of increased traffic flow past the school’s entrance.

This was echoed by headteacher Michael Thompson when he spoke at Tuesday’s meeting.

He said: “What this car park would do is to create the situation whereby all 134 Dene Park staff and visitors have an incentive that does not currently exist, to drive directly past the front entrance of our special school.”

The application proposed a 10mph speed ramp and signage on the access road to slow down traffic and the highways authority offered no objection.

Applicant, Kevin Newbould also spoke at the meeting, he said: “There is no change to the way the site operates, it would simply be an opportunity for staff to find a space rather than park elsewhere inappropriately.”

The application was approved with two absentions, one of which came from strategic planning committee vice chairman, Coun. Alan Tebbutt. He said: “I would urge the objectors and the applicant to sit down and do a lot more talking about how to ensure the children’s safety is guaranteed.”