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Changes made to hospital drone hub after objections

Zipline A drone with a little parachute dropping away from it Zipline
Those behind the proposed project say drone delivery is faster, easier and cheaper

Changes have been made to a proposed drone hub which could be used to carry medicines up to 100km (60miles) after the planning application received hundreds of objections.

The hub, near Seghill and Northumbria Hospital in Cramlington, was earmarked to deliver medical supplies by air to NHS sites across Northumberland.

But concerns were raised that dozens of drones a day would be flying above a bridle path and that the access road was not suitable.

Andrew Edmunds, spokesman for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are committed to listening to people and will do our best to respond".

Helen Hindson A wildflower meadowHelen Hindson
Opponents of the hub are concerned that the drones will affect the peace of the East Cramlington Nature Reserve

The trust said the community response had led to changes in the application and the nearby bridleway would not be the designated safety zone for the drones.

It also said drone delivery was faster, cheaper and better for the environment than delivering drugs and supplies by road.

Mr Edmunds said: "We know that the community has concerns about this application, and we should have engaged with them earlier and we apologise for that."

Andrew Maville, 59, lives at Middle Farm near the proposed site.

"The road to the site is just not suitable for a lot of traffic," he said.

"This is a very rural area with deer, lots of birds and red squirrels of course and I'm not sure how the constant flights will affect them."

Helen Hindson A long gravel track with oil seed rape on either side Helen Hindson
Objectors said the track proposed to access the site was unsuitable for constant traffic

Feona Bowey, from Cramlington Town Council, said the proposed site was in "the wrong location."

"Up to 80 drones a day will be flying over people's homes, including mine and over part of East Cramlington Nature Reserve," she said.

"I know they say they are quiet, but that constant low humming is not ideal."

Michelle Williams A red squirrel pops his head out from behind a tree trunk Michelle Williams
Protesters fear the drones may have an impact on the red squirrel population

Drone operator Apian, said there had "never been an issue with surrounding wildlife" and that drones were "much quieter than cars or lorries".

A drop-in event about the project is being held at 15:00-18.30 BST on Wednesday, at Seghill Community Centre.

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