Backwell Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Proposed Housing Development’s Impact on School Route

A proposed housing development was presented to a local council this week, drawing objections from residents who assert it would compromise the safety of children’s daily walk to school. Developer Persimmon submitted an application for the construction of 125 homes in Backwell, North Somerset. This proposal was reviewed by North Somerset Council planners on December 18. The plan involves the demolition of house Number 23, located on Dark Lane, to create an access road. Local residents informed the BBC that this change would have an “impact” on children who walk to school unaccompanied. In a statement, North Somerset Council indicated that community feedback would be taken into account during the meeting, but clarified that the ultimate decision rests with the planning inspector. Jenny Holmes, whose children use the lane daily for their walk to school, stated that the proposed development could restrict the independence of her nine-year-olds. “I feel totally happy them doing that because it’s safe route for them to walk to school,” she said. “This access road would take away that safety. “They’d have to cross a busy road that a lot of houses would be coming in and out of. It would just be so disappointing for them to not be able to walk to and from school by themselves.” Bridget Petty, a parent and Green Councillor, mentioned that her daughter also walks independently along the road to school, a practice she described as “really valued” within the community. She said: “The entrance and exit for these 125 houses is just narrow, it’s poor visibility and it will really, really impact the chance for our children to walk safely to school.” The councillor emphasized that the 800 comments of objection submitted by the community regarding the road should be given due consideration. A spokesperson from North Somerset Council said: “The application will be considered at our planning and regulatory committee today and the comments of all those that have sent us their views on the proposal will be taken into account. “However, because the applicant has submitted an appeal the decision to approve or refuse the application rests with the planning inspector appointed by the government.”