WORK has ground to a halt at a building site in Acomb where neighbouring residents are living in the shadow of ground levels raised by up to three metres.

Officials at Northumberland County Council confirmed this week that formal action had been taken against developer, Avant Homes, which was given planning permission for up to 40 new homes on the site known as Birkey Heights.

Since the installation of steel pilings and major earthworks began, which would leave any homes built towering over the height of existing properties on Garden House Drive, residents have argued that the work being carried out does not resemble the agreed plans.

Resident Norman Robson said: “The site is currently locked and no work has taken place there this week.

“My understanding of the situation is that an enforcement notice has been served by the council advising Avant that they are in breach of planning conditions.”

The alleged breach is understood to relate to land levels, surface water drainage and footpaths through the site.

“Avant can appeal, but if a planning breach is shown to have taken place then the work can be declared illegal,” said Mr Robson.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman has already made public his support for the residents whose homes border the development.

He said he had written to the builder and the county council to press for a speedy solution.

Helen Hayes-Wynne, who also lives on Garden House Drive, said: “We all hope that the two main parties can work together to get a swift resolution to the issues we have stated previously.

“Those being that the land is reduced back to the original levels and contours of the field and that all flood and drainage and environmental issues are addressed fully, and that Avant will deliver an aesthetically pleasing development that blends into the landscape both when entering the village and from a wider panoramic view.”

A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said: “The council has taken legal advice, following which formal action has been taken. We continue to work with the developer in order to resolve the issues.”

An Avant Homes spokesman said: “It is regrettable that this situation has arisen, and we are working closely with the local planning authority to establish an appropriate resolution.”