They say the site, one of two currently proposed for Beadnell, will create traffic chaos.

Consultation is currently under way for the development, by Northumberland Estates and Newcastle-based Isos Homes, which will occupy land to the south east of the Old School House.

But residents say that a proposed two-way access road, along what is currently only a footpath between two homes, will create a dangerous junction on narrow Meadow Lane.

And they are up in arms at the choice of site, saying the early medieval system of ridge and furrow farmland should be protected.

Cheryl Smith, who lives at Swinhoe Road, said: "The development is a worry to the whole village and the general feeling is that it will have a detrimental impact on the character of Beadnell.

"The proposed site is inappropriate for development, being an open green field which itself is of natural and historic interest, and to convert the narrow footpath onto Meadow Lane into a two-way road would be reckless.

"The footpath, as it is, opens onto one of the narrowest sections of Meadow Lane and is just feet from an already dangerous T-junction which has seen a recent accident and some very near misses."

She added: "It may not be a material planning consideration, but residents living on the edge of that site will have their views obliterated and that is very important to them.

"The fact that we already have so many homes in Beadnell which stand empty for most of the year beggars the question of why we need even more."

Andrew Slater,who lives on Meadow Lane, said: "Currently there is only enough room for two cars to pass on Meadow Lane at this point, with no room for pedestrians.

"Highways requires sight lines to ensure that the junction is safe – this is not the case in this instance. The traffic would increase noise to the adjacent properties to nuisance levels and the road would be only a path's width away from the external wall of Alexandra Cottage."

And Julie Smart, of Sandy Lane Court, said:"There are five times more houses in Beadnell than is needed by the local community.

"New residents need to buy existing housing under existing supported Government schemes rather than inflict danger to pedestrians and road users by the creation of a very dangerous junction next to an already dangerous junction and further destruction of the landscape."

Plans have also been re-submitted by the same developer for 40 holiday lets on land at Benthall Farm, including a visitor and water sports centre, car parking and recreational facilities.
No one from Northumberland Estates could be contacted for comment.