AFTER grave concerns over access and road safety for pedestrians were raised, planning committee members agreed to a site visit before deciding whether to grant permission for a new Isos Housing development in Hexham.

Members of Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee heard that plans for 38 new apartments for the elderly at St Cuthbert’s Close, to replace the former 1972 flat-roofed building, were welcomed.

However, there was no support for the proposed new access off Hencotes, to replace the existing access via Priestlands Lane.

Instead, Hexham Civic Society, Hexham Town Council and ward county councillor Terry Robson, outlined their concerns during the meeting at County Hall on Tuesday.

“Hencotes is the principal walking route taken by many school age youngsters, twice a day, for approximately 40 weeks every year, to gain access to the five schools that are all within easy walking distance,” said Peter Arnold of Hexham Civic Society.

“This new junction increases the likelihood of an accident to school pupils using Hencotes, because it will introduce an extra hazard for pedestrians.”

The plans include a hammerhead for delivery, refuse and emergency vehicles to turn and leave the site.

But Deputy Mayor of Hexham, Coun. Tom Gillanders, argued that due to the large number of deliveries expected for a community with such low car ownership, vehicles would be forced to reverse onto Hencotes at times.

And the council’s planning and highways officers admitted that the emergency services had not been consulted on the suitability of the proposed new access.

Coun. Robson said: “It’s a mistake to create a situation where large vehicles may have to reverse back on to the main road.”

Urging the committee to support the application, development and regeneration officer at Isos Vince Walsh said: “We believe the current access is a narrow road layout which is not suitable for emergency vehicles. The new design allows visitors to be greeted by an attractive frontage as they approach the building.”

The committee voted in favour of a site visit as soon as possible, to take place at a time when children would be walking to or from school.