A STRING of bungalows planned for a small hamlet in the west of Tynedale have been given the green light.

Outline planning permission for the construction of six, two-bedroomed and two, three-bedroomed homes with associated parking, landscaping and open space in Melkridge was granted by Tynedale Local Area Council.

Melkridge Parish Council and local residents had objected to the plans, for land south of Ashlea, with complaints about the narrow access to the site and one of the bungalows being situated over a communal sewer chief among the list of concerns.

An application was originally submitted for 12 dwellings and the revised submission has now received the approval of county councillors representing the district.

County councillor for Haydon and Hadrian, Coun. Alan Sharp, said: “On balance, the applicants have gone some way to addressing the concerns of the parish council, although I’m not entirely satisfied by the highways department’s comments about access. The scheme is probably acceptable in planning terms and I am pleased the dwellings will be bungalows, but I still have concerns the character of the site will change dramatically.”

Corbridge county councillor Nick Oliver added: “The nature of housing is positive as the Tyne Valley, in general, needs more bungalows.”