Concerns raised over Longhoughton housing development

Villagers voiced a range of grievances in relation to Story Homes’ Chancel Place scheme, which is being built along Station Road.

The 66-house development will feature a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, including a number of affordable properties.

The scheme has proved contentious and at last week’s meeting, residents quizzed Story Homes representatives over a number of issues, including traffic and mud.

One resident said that lorries are having to back up along the road between Longhoughton and Denwick because drivers are unaware that there is a low bridge before they reach the site.

“It is quite dangerous,” the resident added.

In reply, a Story Homes representative said: “Every company has been made aware, but if this happens again, then come back to us.”

Another resident said that construction vehicles are leaving mud on the road, which is ‘really slippy’ and asked what can be done to alleviate the problem.

The Story representative said: “We will be installing a wheel wash as soon as Story Homes takes the site on. We aren’t the principle contractor yet – Wyn Construction is. I will forward your concerns to them and make sure there is a sweeper on site.”

Coun Eleanor Phillips expressed her ‘dismay’ that a historic stone wall has been removed as part of the construction and asked whether it would be reinstated.

The Story representative said that a stretch would not be reinstated, as it was making way for a footpath, but believed that another section, opposite the site, would go back up.

He added that the affordable dwellings are part of the first phase.

Story said that it has a community fund and is happy to support local activities and charities. If anyone has concerns about the development, call 07792 626651 or email [email protected]