RESIDENTS campaigning for safer access to a proposed housing development in Bedale could see their hopes dashed.

Campaigners gathered 300 names on a petition which claimed that the planned access for 37 houses, to be built by Persimmon Homes on land between Masham Road, Grange Road and Pasture Drive, would create traffic hazards.

They fear it will channel unacceptable volumes of extra traffic along Grange Road and Pasture Drive, on a nearby estate, and in to Firby Road, which meets Sussex Street at a busy junction.

Decisions on two separate planning applications were deferred by Hambleton District Council's development control committee last month so that residents' calls for an alternative access, involving a mini roundabout in Masham Road, could be investigated.

Campaigners are being supported by police, who have raised road safety concerns, and the town council.

When the applications return to the committee tomorrow, members will hear that Persimmon originally backed a Masham Road access and received backing from the county council highways department.

However, highway engineers commissioned by Persimmon have now concluded that such an access cannot meet Department of Transport standards because traffic flows of 288 vehicles into the site fall below the recommended level of 500.

The county council also says that other works will be needed to reduce traffic speeds in Masham Road.

Persimmon wants the applications to be determined on the basis of the scheme as submitted.

Planning officer Tim Wood has concluded that he has no option but to recommend conditional approval, without changes, because the outline permission granted in 2005 envisaged access through Firby Road, Grange Road and Pasture Drive.

Mr Wood says the access as proposed is considered adequate because the housing density is within the range anticipated at the outline stage and the council cannot force Persimmon to look at another access.

But Councillor Malcolm Young, Mayor of Bedale, said: ''I think it's appalling. It's amazing that they can recommend something against the wishes of so many people.

"If this gets passed, there are going to be really serious problems and a lot of people are going to be upset about it.

"Sometimes common sense has to prevail."