Plans for 55 new homes in Northumberland village are approved

Outline planning permission to develop a greenfield site south-east of the Shoulder of Mutton pub in Longhorsley was approved in 2015.

Calmont Developments & Partner Investments Ltd have now secured approval for reserved matters including access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale.

Senior planning officer Euan Millar-McMeeken, granting approval using delegated powers, reported: ‘The layout is considered to result in an acceptable relationship between the existing and proposed dwellings, and there are not considered to be any unacceptable impacts on the amenity of existing residents in relation to loss of light, outlook, privacy or any visual intrusion and overbearing impact.

‘In addition, the proposed layout is considered to be acceptable in terms of allowing sufficient amenity space and layout within the development.’

Longhorsley Parish Council initially raised concerns but these have been addressed. These included a safe pedestrian route from the north-west corner of the site to the A697 crossing which has been identified with costs shared between the applicant and the parish council; and a payment to the parish council and maintain children’s play equipment on land at the northern end of the site.

“We appreciate the way the applicant has engaged with the parish council to find resolution to our concerns,” said chairman, Iain Elliott.

The proposed development comprises a mixture of two, three and four bedroom terrace, semi-detached and detached properties.

Mr Millar-McMeeken reported: ‘The site is now designed around a framework of access infrastructure and green spaces addressing the issues of vehicle access and parking but, importantly, pedestrian movement through the site and provision of green, usable spaces within.

‘The house types and layout help to establish a sense of place within the development with the layout allowing for views through to the countryside, helping to maintain the identity of Longhorsley.

‘The material palette proposed is also reflective of the context and identity of the settlement with four distinct character areas proposed within the development. Eleven different house types, including larger detached properties, terraces and mews, allow for an interesting and varied proposal that seeks to reflect and respond to the settlement in which it is located.’

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