Homes plan rejected over road safety
PLANS to build 38 homes in Benton were rejected by councillors on Tuesday over road safety fears.
Councillors also raised concerns about the impact on bio-diversity and over-development.
The Northumberland Estate is behind the scheme to build the homes at Scaffold Hill Farm on Whitley Road.
North Tyneside Council’s planning committee defied its own officers who recommended approval for the project.
This was despite a report to the council where planners said the proposals complied with local and national planning policy.
Concerned resident Keith Page spoke out about road safety fears, and called for a safe crossing point to be installed on Holystone Way.
Mr Page said: “Its an exceptionally busy road, and there could be accidents and not having a safe crossing point could be putting people off from accessing green space.”
The council report said that the Highways Agency is satisfied that the development is “not expected to generate a significant number of trips” to the A19 Holystone junction.
Agent John Wyett spoke in support of the development, saying it was “suitable” for the area.
He said: “The application comprises a suitable residential development on an allocated site.”
Coun John O’Shea raised concerns that the area was being overdeveloped.
He said: “It is a bit of a balancing act, we need more houses but there’s going to be in excess of 500 dwellings in this area. It looks like creeping development. “I’m not quite certain when we’re going to stop.”
Coun Trish Brady said that access to green space should also be considered.
She said: “Housing impacts on how residents live their lives, access to green space is very important.”
The planning committee voted against the application, citing over-development, biodiversity and road safety. Coun Murial Green added: “The big issue about road safety has not been answered, I think this is really important.”
We need more houses but there’s going to be in excess of 500 dwellings in this area. It looks like creeping development.