Plans for new homes near Ingoe approved despite 25 objections from villagers

The proposals will see existing derelict agricultural buildings on land north of Ingoe Chapel demolished and replaced with two four-bedroom dwellings.

Northumberland County Council received 25 letters of objection from members of the public while Matfen Parish Council and local county councillor Veronica Jones also objected.

But the plans were recommended for approval by council planning officers. The application came before members of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Committee on Monday.

Objections centred around safety fears on the narrow access road as well as a loss of amenity to local residents. Ecological concerns were also raised, with fears over a population of Great Crested Newts living nearby.

Speaking at the meeting, objector Sally Lawson argued that the village boundary line which the development fell into was “out of date”, having been drawn in the 1980s. She added it was in an “inaccessible location” and the new buildings would be on a “different footprint” to those set to be demolished.

Fellow objector Duncan Ross added: “More than half of the community objected, as did the county councillor and the parish council. There are major issues around access and safety.

“The presence of great crested newts in a pond 80 metres from the site could make the development illegal.”

However, council planners said these concerns had been dealt with by the applicant during the planning process. Members voted to approve the plans by five votes to zero, with three abstentions.

Cllr Lyle Darwin said: “As councillors we have to listen to the concerns of resident,s but we are led by officers to what we can and can’t grant permission for. I would have preferred to see two bedroom homes.

“It is a real shame, we want to represent the views of the people here.”

Cllr Richard Wearmouth added: “From my perspective, it’s not for us to decide who applies for what. If the applicant wants to apply for this type of house, they can.

“It’s in the settlement boundary and there is no way we could defend this at appeal. It’s a very straight forward application, the officer’s recommendation is clear and the way they have got there is entirely logical.”