PLANS for 15 new homes in Chollerford have been turned down by Tynedale councillors.

A planning application submitted by developers Hedley Planning for the new homes, on land North-East of New Houses, with associated access, landscaping and infrastructure was put before councillors at the Tynedale Local Area Council meeting on Tuesday.

A previous application originally sought outline planning permission for 36 dwellings, but was later reduced to 15.

The proposal stated access to the site would be from a new priority junction to the B6318 to the west of its roundabout junction with the B6320.

County Councillor Rupert Gibson, who spoke at the meeting, said “It’s a project too far for Humshaugh, and not within the village envelope.

“We would start to see an urban community instead of a rural one.”

He also stated how Humshaugh has already met its quota for new housing, with 47 houses built in the last three years – a 30 per cent increase.

Chairman of Humshaugh Parish Council, Coun. Dick Moules, also encouraged councillors to reject the proposal.

He said: “We recognise the need for change and for growth, but enough is enough.

“By significantly changing the outline of the village this would soon lead to further applications for development at this site and areas surrounding it.

“Any further development would seriously damage the appearance of the village.”

The county council’s planning officers recommended that the application should be rejected because it would give rise to ‘significantly harmful encroachment into the open countryside and have an undesirable effect resulting in demonstrable harm to the character of the locality’.

But a representative for Hedley Planning said the impact was likely to be limited, and adjacent highways improvements would be beneficial for residents and tourists.

He said: “This proposal of modern efficient family housing is significantly beneficial for the area.”

Councillors raised concerns about the location of the application in relation to the Grade II listed Chollerford Bridge and the harm it would cause to the setting. They voted by a majority to reject the application on the basis of the adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the designated area.