A DEVELOPER has pulled out of a scheme to build hundreds of new homes on the current County Hall site in Morpeth.

Home Group had drawn up plans to build 200 new properties alongside proposals for a retail park and new multi-million pound school on the site as part of a council HQ move to Ashington.

Despite fierce local opposition and objections from more than 1,700 people, the proposals were given the green light by Northumberland County Council planners.

But last month it was announced the plans would be the subject of a public inquiry after being called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman was among those who expressed concerns about the proposals to the Government.

And now the council has confirmed Home Group has abandoned its plan.

“Home Group has advised us it no longer wishes to progress with its scheme, following the call-in of the planning decision on the County Hall site,” a council spokeswoman said.

“We remain committed to progressing alternative options for the site.”

Officials at the Home Group refused to comment.

It is expected the retail park and school proposals will still go before the inquiry, a date for which is yet to be arranged by the Planning Inspectorate.