Opposition mounts to holiday complex bid

Plans to replace a demolished bungalow with a three-storey building on the coast at Amble are proving controversial among residents.
An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.
An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.

An application for the retrospective demolition of a bungalow and the proposed erection of a building containing one private dwelling house and three duplex holiday lets on the site of the former Signal Cottage was lodged with Northumberland County Council last month.

The scheme, which has been submitted by agent Mario Minchella Architects on behalf of applicants John and Tracey May, is for a site in a prominent location on the coast, across the road from Amble Links holiday park.

An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.
An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.
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The proposed Signal House would be three storeys, but the ground level would be hidden on approach by landscaping.

A design and access statement submitted with the application says: ‘The scale of the building is larger than the recently-demolished building, however, by recycling material mined from ground works, a higher landscaped bank, with retaining wall, will be produced and reduce the scale of the building from the passing Links Road and on approach.’

On the proposed appearance, it adds: ‘Materials and finishes are based on a marine palette. This will be aesthetically and technically appropriate for the development and its coastal location.’

The private dwelling would take up a quarter of the ground and first floors plus the whole of the second floor, with the three holiday units each being split over the ground and first floors.

An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.
An artist's impression of the proposed holiday lets on the former site of Signal Cottage in Amble.
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‘The developable area is determined by the site boundary and the aim to capture the fantastic views over the North Sea and Coquet Island’, the statement explains.

However, the sensitive location is one of the reasons that some have criticised the proposals, saying it is out of keeping with the area and out of scale compared to the recently-demolished cottage.

The scheme has provoked plenty of discussions, particularly on Facebook, and while some there are some supportive comments, a poll on the Amble Community Team page indicates a significant majority opposed to the plans.

Plus, by earlier this week, around 20 objections had been lodged on the county council’s planning portal.