Plans lodged for nine new homes in north Northumberland village
Plans have been lodged for a new housing development in a north Northumberland village.
A planning application seeking permission to build nine detached homes in Fenwick, north of Belford, has been submitted by a local housing developer.
Charlie Maling-Dunn of CMD Land Ltd wants to build the three and four-bedroom family homes on a greenfield site on the southern edge of the village near Fenwick Burn.
A planning report on his behalf states: “The site presents a valuable opportunity to create a carefully curated rural extension to the village and exemplar residential development that rebalances previous patterns of sprawl by establishing a settlement form more closely aligned with the traditional rural grain.”
The site affords long-distance views across neighbouring fields towards the coastline.
The report adds: “The proposal has been developed to respond sensitively to the site, its wider landscape setting, and the character of Fenwick village, creating a rural extension that reinforces the village edge within the wider landscape and Northumberland coastal area.
“The architectural approach draws on the significant local character and traditional materials of Fenwick, with a scale and massing that remain modest and sympathetic to the existing settlement pattern.
"Dwellings step down at the edges, softening the transition to the surrounding countryside and minimizing visual impact from key views into the site from the B6353 (north) and the elevated vantage point at Grizzles Clump to the west. This is reinforced by the integration of hedgerows, trees, and new planting, which anchor the development into its rural setting.
“The scheme has been designed to a high standard and aims to provide much-needed family housing in a sustainable rural location. By creating a development with a clear sense of place, it supports the vitality of the village and contributes positively to its long-term resilience.”
Local resident Matthew Cresswell has submitted a letter of objection.
He writes: “In my opinion, the application fails to demonstrate that the existing infrastructure can support the development, that it would preserve the rural character of the village, or that it would deliver sufficient community benefits to outweigh its impacts.”