Northumberland affordable homes development due to be refused

The application, for eight one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom bungalows on land west of Ladyburn House, off Simonside Crescent, is ‘considered to be in line with the county’s identified need in Hadston’.

However, members of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council are recommended to turn down the scheme, by registered social landlord Karbon Homes, at their meeting on Monday, March 2.

This is primarily because the ‘proposed development would result in the loss of a good quality area of open space which provides a valuable amenity function for local residents’ and that ‘part of the application site which forms the public open space contributes towards the open character and visual amenity of the area’.

The planning officer’s report notes that, based on the relevant data, there is considered to be an overall need for up to 14 affordable rented homes in Hadston, with a focus on one-bedroom dwellings and bungalows.

However, it states: ‘It is not considered that the benefits arising from the construction of 11 affordable homes in this location would outweigh the loss of this area of open space that contributes to the visual amenity of the area.’

East Chevington Parish Council and 16 residents have objected to the proposals.

Councillors will consider the planners’ findings and any representations from the applicant or objectors before making a decision on planning permission.