PLANS for a new entry gate and footpath for a Darlington school have sparked a strong reaction from residents in neighbouring properties.

Darlington School of Maths and Science (DSMS) has applied to Darlington Borough Council to extend an existing cycle path running along Cocker Beck into the rear of its grounds and also create a new gate in its security fencing.

The new path would run behind houses in Eggleston View and would also be fitted with motion sensor lighting to provide pupils with another option to reach the school..

A report prepared for members of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee: “The aim of the overall scheme is to provide a safe, illuminated pedestrian and cycle link and also to allow pupils to access the school site without having to interact with vehicles on Eggleston View and the car parking areas of the school.

“While pedestrians can currently use the footpath on Eggleston View to the main school gates, cyclists are required to drop onto the carriageway as there is not sufficient width to allow for an off-road cycle route in that location.

“The route will provide a safe and convenient access to the school away from traffic and will encourage more pupils to travel sustainably to the school.”

Four objections to the plans have been received from residents who fear they will be subjected to more noise and potential anti-social behaviour if the plans go ahead.

One comment submitted to the council said: “I feel that the cycleway/footpath at the rear of my home would make me very vulnerable indeed to noise and many future problems.

“I believe that the installation of motion-sensored lighting along the footpath/cycleway will only encourage unsavoury characters from the Branksome area to cause trouble on the Mowden estate.

“We have suffered enough during daylight hours and I have reported several criminal activities to the police in the past, mainly concerning school age children.”

Another comment added: “I do not wish to have children travelling to school at both the front and rear of my property. There is already enough litter on the front.”

The application will be considered by the planning committee on Wednesday, May 8, at 1.30pm.