PLANS for a new salt barn in Bellingham have met with disapproval from local residents, following objections against a similar structure in Otterburn.

An application submitted by Northumberland County Council outlines its plans for the construction of a covered storage barn to hold up to 6,000 tonnes of road salt at the Bellingham highways depot.

Since the application was submitted in July, residents and parish councillors have aired their concerns that the structure would not be in keeping with the local area.

In response to the planning application, Jane Jones, of Redesmouth Road, said: “Why would this beautiful village need such an eyesore of a building?

“It would be obvious from the way in to the village from the A68.

“The area around the Carriages Tearoom, Heritage Centre and garden areas would be made ugly.”

Another resident of Redesmouth Road, Graham Stark, commented: “The size of the salt barn indicates a larger operation than at present and it should be sited in a more commercial or industrial area, where it will not impact local tourism.”

The current salt store in Bellingham is uncovered, which the county council argues leads to increased moisture content and reduced efficiency.

Members of Bellingham Parish Council agreed at their recent meeting that while they do not want to lose the salt storage facility from Bellingham, the size of the development needs to be more proportionate to the site.

An application for a similar structure at the highways depot in Otterburn also resulted in objections from residents and councillors based on its size and impact on tourism.

But at a meeting of Otterburn Parish Council, there was confusion over the proposed size of the barn.

Speaking at the meeting, parish council chairman Coun. Andy Robbins said: “The building design states it is for up to 6,000 tonnes of salt while the planning application is for it to hold up to 4,000 tonnes.

“That means it would be oversized significantly.

“If the county council were to review the plans and change the size of the building to hold 4,000 tonnes, we would be happy to look at it again.”

Concerns have also been raised about both salt barns concerning the noise and disturbance that would be caused early in the morning during gritting months for residents living close by.