Fatal crash sparks safety fears over new High Kelling homes
The scheme in High Kelling, near Holt, plans to repurpose the derelict Pineheath care home facility in Cromer Road. But the location is close to where a couple in their 80s were killed[1] days before Christmas last year after being hit by a Mini. The pair were walking along the A148 on the way to a Sunday church service when they were struck.
The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving but has since been bailed[2] until March 14 as police continue their investigations. 
Mike Hankins, a councillor for Stibbard, said: "The road is manifestly unsafe. We have already had fatalities. "There are a plethora of speed warning signs making very little difference."
Another councillor added that drivers often disregard speed limit signs. However, Highways officers at North Norfolk District Council have not made any objections to the scheme. 
The concerns about road safety led to councillors asking to defer a decision on the scheme, in the hope that negotiations could progress with developer Ash Properties, to see if it may be willing to explore contributing to traffic control measures. Councillors suggested a crossing could be installed, however it was acknowledged this could be costly and may not be viable. Andrew Brown, cabinet member for planning, said the council should be supporting the repurposing of buildings but agreed addressing road safety issues was vital.
When it came to the vote, members agreed to defer a decision on the application to explore potential road safety schemes.
Pineheath care home was in operation from the early 1990s until it closed in 2017 after it was placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission.
References
- ^ a couple in their 80s were killed (www.edp24.co.uk)
- ^ but has since been bailed (www.edp24.co.uk)