Access road in Northumberland village approved despite councillor concerns

Plans for the vehicle access serving four properties on land north of Southcroft Stables at The Croft, near Ulgham, were approved at a meeting of Castle Morpeth Local Area Council.

Ulgham Parish Council raised an objection to the proposal, arguing that “there is no justification for this new access as the previously agreed existing access is perfectly adequate, as it is within the 30mph limit and has unrestricted vision for at least 75 metres in each direction”.

Coun Jim Scott, of the parish council, said: “The only possible reason for a new entrance would be to allow access for any future planned development of the site and we object strongly to this proposal.”

However, council planners recommended the application be granted. The report noted: “This application proposes the creation of a new vehicular access to the north of the application site, rather than use of the existing access located at Southcroft stables.

“The provision of a new access would allow a separate access for the four dwellings, rather than use of the same access currently used by the existing dwelling on site recognised as Ulgham House.”

Coun Richard Dodd branded the application a “Trojan Horse” while Coun Mary Murphy added: “We’re being presented with planning applications that we feel uncomfortable with.

“We can’t irresponsibly take this local authority into the cost of appeals further down. Our hands are tied.”

The plans were unanimously approved by the committee despite their misgivings.