'˜It's absolute chaos on that road' - Readers back bid to halt housing plans

The go-ahead has been given for four new homes on a corner plot on Black Road, Hebburn, at its junction with Ralph Street and St Oswald’s Road - just 100m from St Oswald’s CE Primary, in Hebburn.

All three Hebburn North ward councillors - Coun Richard Porthouse, Coun Adam Ellison and Coun Liz McHugh - warned that the project had worrying safety implications - include a threat to pupils as they cross roads on the way to and from school.

Planning chiefs defied their concerns to pass a controversial house-build plan.

The councillors fear the homes will reduce visibility for drivers turning on to St Oswald’s Road and also say planned fencing, as well as any vehicles parked outside, could block visibility - increasing the risk of accidents.

Coun Porthouse said: “This is a safety issue. We are not against these houses being built. We think this project is going to have a big impact on that corner where there is a school and a church.

“There’s a school crossing on that corner, and any more cars will impact on that.”

Planners received four letters of support from residents, who said the plot was an eyesore and prone to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Local people were quick to take to our Facebook page to make their feelings known.

Claire Little wrote: “Residents have not been asked about this development, I live in the area and there have been crashes on this corner without the houses been there.

“There is no way there is enough room for four houses and driveways to fit two cars per house.

“As for anti social behaviour, my house looks into this plot of land and there has never been children messing around on there.”

Bryan Jobling added: “It was carnage on that road this morning. I can’t see how blocking views further will be safer.

Andrea Miller wrote: “It’s absolute chaos on that road. You can’t see clearly at that junction as it is.”