A CONTROVERSIAL planning application which could see the population in Corbridge explode by up to 20 per cent has not attracted as much opposition from residents as expected, parish councillors have said.

Despite a 54-home plan from Taylor Wimpey sparking a 300 name petition and a residents’ opposition group backed by Hexham MP Guy Opperman, a proposal for up to 237 homes in the village by Gladman Developments has so far only attracted objections from individuals.

And some members of Corbridge Parish Council are at a loss as to why.

At their latest meeting, Coun. Graham Curry said he felt the impact of the application on the whole village had been underestimated.

“I feel there is a perception that this will only effect residents on Priory Gardens,” he said. “But we all know that because of the size and scale of it, that’s just not the case.”

The proposal by Gladman centres on land off Milkwell Lane, which would be accessed off the narrow Cow Lane – home to Corbridge Middle School.

Of the two, three, four and five bedroom properties, 71 would be affordable, with work to widen Cow Lane, the creation of a new 45-space school car park, as well as a new turning loop and lay-by for coaches included.

Around 100 objections have been lodged to the application, and among those opposing the plan are Corbridge Parish Council and Corbridge Village Trust.

But despite suggestions from the parish council that residents form a group to help fight the proposals, nothing has materialised.

“I said right back at the beginning, at one of the early public meetings, that I would be happy to give people any advice they needed on getting started,” said Coun. David Burnett who, as a resident of Synclen Avenue, helped set up the Friends of Corbridge campaign group back in 2013.

“The thing is, we had such a strong case against the Taylor Wimpey plan with such a lot of opposition, but that still went through. People may think it’s not worth it.”

Coun. Alistair Jenkins said: “I think if the residents have something to say on this, we have to encourage them to say it.”

Chairman, Coun. Maurice Hodgson said: “It is a bit disappointing.”

A meeting with officials from the county’s planning and highways departments had been positive, he added.

The consultation on the application is due to end today.