Councillors look forward to new Crow Hall Lane roundabout

Cramlington town and county councillors have given a cautious welcome to news that Persimmon Homes are to proceed with the construction of a roundabout on Crow Hall Lane at the junction with the new St Nicholas Manor estate. 

 

The construction of a roundabout was a key condition to granting planning permission for the new housing but has been delayed due to legal arguments between Northumberland County Council, Persimmon, Bellway and Bernicia.  

 

The granting of planning permission specified that the cost of the construction of the roundabout would fall to the developers who subsequently disputed this agreement. 

 

Councillors have continually expressed their frustration with the delay in providing the safety measures and infrastructure. 

 

With many St Nicholas Manor properties now completed and occupied, the junction with Crow Hall Lane has become a hazard for motorists and pedestrians. 

 

Councillor Daley commented: “I am amazed that we have not seen even more accidents at this junction. It is outrageous that the developers have taken so long to honour their agreement and this clearly undermines trust in future dealings we may have across the county. It is good news that agreement appears finally to have been reached. Now I want to see work start as quickly as possible without further unnecessary delays and this includes a speed reduction to 30mph on the whole of the Crow Hall Lane road from St Nicholas Manor through to the Northburn area by new Fire Station at West Hartford” 

 

Cramlington West councillors Pat Heard and Barry Flux shared councillor Daley’s concerns. He added: “It is totally unacceptable that residents buying new homes on the estate should be kept in limbo. They have purchased homes believing that an adequate infrastructure would be part of the development but have been let down by the developer. As local councillors we have continually been in contact with the developers.’’ 

 

Councillor Mark Swinburn said “I am still waiting for a decision from developers regarding a crossing on Station Road. This has been a longstanding resident request that Northumberland County Council passed on to the developers.” 

 

Discussions are now underway with the developers to agree the final timeline for the construction works but councillors are pressing for an immediate start now that legal agreements are about to be concluded.

Pictured: Councillors Wayne Daley, Pat Heard, Barry Flux and Mark Swinburn and the site of the proposed roundabout.