The Duke of Northumberland’s property arm, Northumberland Estates, wants to build the homes on greenfield land north- east of Bridgeford View.
The application, which has yielded more than 40 objections, was heard at a meeting of Northumberland County Council’s local area council for Tynedale, on Tuesday.
Despite a recommendation from planning officers to grant permission, members of the council decided to defer the decision, for a site visit to be arranged.
Representing Northumberland Estates, Colin Barnes said Bellingham required development and that the new homes would attract young families.
But objectors raised concerns about the size of the proposed scheme, visual impact, and said the provision of six affordable homes out of 36, was not sufficient.
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