Parishioners claim victory on lodges bid

Parishioners who fought against plans for 21 holiday lodges at a north Northumberland golf club are claiming victory after the scheme was withdrawn.
Brought to you by the Northumberland Gazette.Brought to you by the Northumberland Gazette.
Brought to you by the Northumberland Gazette.

However, the developer has pointed out that the bid was aimed at supporting the struggling golf club and the objections have ‘compounded the problem’.

In late November last year, Northumberland Estates submitted an application for a development of 21 holiday lodges on land south of Rothbury Golf Club, which is in the parish of Whitton and Tosson.

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On becoming aware of the proposal, the parish council held a public meeting to gauge the community’s opinion.

Attendees at the meeting were unanimously opposed so the council decided to act.

Councillors worked over the Christmas period to co-ordinate a community effort to respond to the application.

Hundreds of leaflets were distributed to households in the area, posters were put up in local shops and community notice-boards, the parish council liaised with other community groups and public bodies and a working group was set up to gather information and draw on local expertise to prepare a comprehensive response.

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Colin Barnes, from Northumberland Estates, said: “The application, which is on land next to the golf clubhouse, was submitted with the intention of providing improved revenue to the club.

“It is very much a community golf club and an asset for Rothbury, but like some others in Northumberland, it is struggling to keep going.

“We are withdrawing the application and will review whether an alternative is feasible, as we are keen for the club to survive.

“Unfortunately, the objections have somewhat compounded the problem.”