Proposal to build houses and apartments is unveiled

Ascent Homes is behind the scheme for the Allerburn House and Lodge site on Denwick Lane.

The plan is to refurbish and convert the vacant Allerbrun House into nine apartments, comprising a mix of one and two bedrooms.

The empty lodge building would be restored for residential use, turning it into a two-bedroom bungalow.

Ten executive detached properties would also be built on the site, consisting of four, four-bedroom houses and six, five-bedroom properties.

A financial contribution towards off-site affordable housing has also been put on the table as part of the plan.

Ascent Homes – the house-building arm of Arch Group – is hoping to submit a formal planning application to Northumberland County Council next month. If the scheme is approved, it is anticipated that work will start next spring.

The proposal went on show at Alnwick’s Northumberland Hall on Tuesday for public consultation and those who attended were generally in favour. The Gazette spoke to a number of residents from Allerburn Lea – which is next to the proposed site – and they welcomed the scheme, saying the design was sympathetic to the locality and well-thought-out. They also welcomed the restoration of Allerburn House and Lodge.

Ascent Homes has enhanced security on the site, until it is in a position to have a full presence on the site – something which has also been backed by residents.

Neil Turnbull, land manager for Arch, said: “People have been very supportive of the plans. One of the concerns that people have had is about the existing trees and foliage on the site. We are going to get a tree surgeon to go in and have a look at the trees and try to improve what is there now.

“The other concern was the junction from the site onto Allerburn Lea, but we are going to clear the area and provide better sight lines.

“Residents have tried to get yellow lines to stop people parking on Allerburn Lea. They haven’t been successful so far, but this might be an opportunity to look at bringing in some parking restrictions here. We can’t promise anything, but it may be the chance to reopen the debate.”