PLANNERS in Richmondshire say changes are needed to the proposed upgrade of the A1 to motorway standard to improve road safety and ensure villages do not see increased congestion.

While generally welcoming the scheme from Dishforth to Barton, officers from the district council have drawn up a list of comments to be forwarded to the Highways Agency and North Yorkshire County Council.

They have asked the environment and planning committee to accept the recommendations when it meets on Tuesday. Officers also suggest that members might with to contest some of the issues through to a public inquiry if necessary.

Concerns include the proposed retention of the Scotch Corner roundabout, with traffic lights added. Planners are concerned that priority would be given to traffic moving between the A1 and A66, with Richmond and Middleton Tyas motorists having to wait. The access to the Scotch Corner Hotel, straight off the interchange, is also considered inadequate.

Lack of an access road from Scotch Corner to Barton also causes concern. A report by Patrick Earle, planning unit manager, says traffic would pass through Middleton Tyas or Melsonby, both of which were unsuitable for more vehicles.

A direct local access road to Barton is required, he says.

Uncertainty exists over the design of the scheme at Brompton on Swale, where the carriageway might not be at the present height and noise could be an issue.

The loss from the scheme of a proposed link from the new Catterick junction to Catterick Village could cause traffic problems at Tunstall Lane and Catterick Bridge, says the report.

There is also concern over a diversion near Bainesse Farm, Catterick, which planners say needs landscaping.

Formal objections to the scheme on issues not resolved through preliminary consultation can be registered following the publication of draft orders in November.

A public inquiry is due in October 2006 and construction is scheduled to begin in April 2008, with completion in April 2011.