Two homes bids get the go-ahead

A controversial development of almost 60 homes in East Sleekburn has been given the green light by councillors on a split decision.

The scheme, for 59 homes with access and an area of public open space on land east of Barrington Park, had sparked objections from 58 residents and East Bedlington Parish Council.

But it was recommended for approval by Northumberland County Council’s planning officers and was given the nod by eight votes to three, with one abstention, at last week’s meeting of the authority’s strategic planning committee.

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Resident Sue Spillard spoke against the plans at the meeting, underling a number of concerns.

One of the councillors’ chief issues was the lack of affordable housing, which is due to the viability of the project.

l A bid to build 38 residential units, including two, three and four-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and two-bedroom apartments, on the site of the former Blyth Valley Venture Workshops on Plessey Road was unanimously approved at the same meeting.

The application, by Northumberland County Council’s development arm, Arch, had been deferred at the January meeting to allow members to take a site visit due to concerns about traffic outside New Delaval Primary School on Beatrice Avenue.