Longfram plans are approved

A planning inspector has now approved the Miller Homes scheme for land south of Deneburn and next to West Lane Caravan Park.

The application was initially refused by Northumberland County Council in April due to concerns about design, massing and density.

A scaled down application for 29 homes was then turned down by the North Northumberland Local Area Council in August.

News of the appeal decision was given to committee members last week. The council does not have to pay costs.

Planning inspector CL Humphrey stated: ‘The main issue is the effect of the proposed development upon the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.

‘Due to its siting to the rear of Deneburn, the site is not prominent from the north along Rothbury Road, and is screened by existing development to the east. Whilst it is visible in longer range views from the open countryside to the south and west, it is seen against the backdrop of the village.

‘The density of the proposed development would be less than 24 dwellings per hectare which, based on the evidence before me, would be significantly lower than other recent housing developments in the village. I conclude that the proposed development would not have a harmful effect upon the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.’

He also felt there was no substantive evidence to demonstrate the development would give rise to unacceptable pressure upon local health or education provision or cause highways issues.