Plans for 110 new homes in Berwick set to be decided

The plans, submitted by Berwick-based developer Michael Guthrie Developments in April 2019, have been recommended for approval at Tuesday’s meeting of Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee.

The site is located at the south-west end of Berwick, between the Highcliffe housing estate and the A1167.

A previous planning permission has already been approved for 40 homes on an adjacent site, with the new application representing phases two to four of the overall site plan. The 110 new homes already have outline planning permission, with the new application requesting more detailed permission that will allow construction to get under way.

No objections have been raised by members of the public or statutory consultees, while Berwick Town Council have voiced their approval of the scheme. The county archaeologist and Historic England raised no objections, subject to conditions that would protect the ancient monument on the site – a Roman camp bisected by the A1167 and extending to Cow Road in the south.

A report which will be presented to the committee next week indicates that, if approved, the development would consist of the following:

• 36 three-bedroom semi-detached houses
• 11 three-bedroom detached houses
• Nine four-bedroom detached houses
• Three three-bedroom bungalows
• Two two-bedroom bungalows
• Eight three-bedroom villas
• 38 four-bedroom villas
• Three five-bedroom villas

It goes on to say that the site is the only large-scale housing site in Berwick. Furthermore, the development will “go some way” to delivering housing needs in the town.

While there is no affordable housing delivered in this part of the plans, the initial and already completed phase one contained all the necessary affordable housing units required to meet planning regulations.

As a result, planning officers have recommended the plans for approval. This will be subject to a contribution of £67,650 towards the council’s coastal mitigation scheme.