A BID to build dozens of new homes on the site of a former Northumberland school has been thrown out by council planners after safety concerns were raised by neighbours.

The disused Cragside First School in Cramlington would have been demolished and replaced by a development of 55 houses under the plans by builder Taylor Wimpey.

But, in a surprise move, county councillors have gone against the advice of planning officers and voted to reject the scheme, following objections put forward by local residents.

Neighbours say they suffered traffic problems on the road to the site when the school was open, and claim the situation will be just as bad if homes are built and more cars have to get in and out.

They are also concerned that the proposed houses will overlook and dominate a number of bungalows occupied by elderly people near the former school.

Last month the council’s south east area planning committee deferred a decision on the application so that councillors could visit the site and assess the situation for themselves.

Now committee members have voted to refuse Taylor Wimpey planning permission for the development, paving the way for a potential appeal and public inquiry.

Objectors say they are not opposed to the old school being redeveloped for housing, but claim the poor access could cause traffic chaos and increase the risk of accidents on what is already acknowledged as a problem road.

Yesterday Helen Charlton, who lives on Cateran Way and helped organise the residents’ objections, said: “I won’t say we’re pleased with the committee’s decision, because we want the development to go ahead. However, we need discussions and negotiations with Taylor Wimpey to find a solution and develop the site safely. Unfortunately, they don’t seem interested in that.

“The concerns we have are about the access to the site, the density of housing and the effect of two-storey houses on nearby bungalows. I hope Taylor Wimpey will now have a change of heart and, instead of just taking this decision to appeal, become interested in working with the local community, talk to us and engage with us.

“I am certain a solution can be found, and the local community and councillors would very much welcome that.”

The access point for residents of the proposed housing scheme would be off Cateran Way, which is subject to a pilot 20mph zone by the council as a traffic calming measure, and residents feel the possibility of 100 extra cars would cause chaos.

Planning committee chairman Coun Dave Ledger, said: “It was felt there are significant problems with the access and concerns about people in bungalows looking onto gable end walls. I agreed with the officers’ recommendation to approve the application, but I understand the concerns of residents and I will stand by the committee’s decision to do what it did.”