Controversial planning application from Duke of Northumberland's property company to be reheard

It is understood a councillor left the room during the application’s hearing at Tynedale Local Area Council last month, but then voted on the application – breaching council rules.

The proposals would have seen 63 new homes built on land south of Broomhouse Lane in Prudhoe.

However, there was significant opposition from local residents, who were concerned about the proposed access route into the site and the impact on highways.

Coun Nick Morphet proposed refusal on the grounds of that impact on the residents of Tilley Crescent, as well as the mix of housing.

At the time, Coun Colin Horncastle warned that those reasons were “incredibly weak” and could leave the council open to an appeal.

Confirming the fact that the plans would now have to be reheard, a spokesperson for Northumberland County Council said: “The planning application is being returned to committee as one of the elected members who voted missed a short part of the meeting.

“When a date is arranged for this committee, all participants and members of the public who made representations will be notified.”

Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents the Prudhoe South Ward and spoke against the application, said a new meeting had been pencilled in for March 28. Coun Stewart also reiterated calls for Northumberland Estates to look again at the access issue.

He said: “Clearly many residents of Tilly Crescent, Cross Street and other parts of Castlefields continue to be stressed out, angry and confused, and are hoping that the applicant will now look at another access to the site rather than through a cul-de-sac – if they still wish to build houses on the land.

The date of the next meeting has not yet been confirmed on the council’s website.