Last updated 08:48, Friday, 27 June 2008

THE Duke of Northumberland’s plans to redevelop Prudhoe’s town centre were given the go-ahead by Tynedale Council’s planning committee on Monday night.

Artist’s impression: Architects Faulkner Browns have produced this image showing what the Prudhoe of the future could look like.

There was widespread dismay at Hexham Auction Mart as planners voted to support the scheme, which will bring a Sainsbury’s, a multi-storey car park and more than 150 new homes.

Councillors and supporters faced jeers and laughter as they spoke of the benefits it could bring to the town, and objectors were warned by committee chairman Coun. Ian Hutchinson not to interrupt speakers.

“People are going to lose their jobs – it’s a disgrace!” one woman shouted as the final decision was announced. Others simply shook their heads.

The Duke’s plans, first drawn up around 18 months ago, have polarised opinion in the town, initially attracting thousands of objections.

The proposals came before the council on Monday recommended for approval, but the vast majority of Prudhoe residents who attended were opposed to them.

Contrary to usual council rules – and considering the level of public interest – four speakers for and four against were given five minutes each to speak, before the council debate.

Prudhoe’s Coun. Lorna Garrett then proposed supporting the recommendation, and faced laughter from the crowd as she spoke of “democracy in action.”

“We have had a comprehensive report produced and the issues that have been raised have been thoroughly examined and considered,” she said.

“This has been a very emotive issue in Prudhoe for some time. There has been rumour, speculation and even misrepresentation of the facts.

“There have also been very genuine concerns and I think it is these concerns we as a community must address.”

The “message” from local residents, she said, was that there was a need for more shops. The development would not only bring this but would add “greater diversity.”

Coun. Donnelly said: “Being born and bred in Hexham, I’m not too familiar with Prudhoe whatsoever.

“But I do hear what the people are saying about this development. My heart goes out to you.”

Coun. Gill said: “My concern is the loss of the present businesses in Prudhoe. I wonder how a decision can be made on which block [of shops] stays and which block goes.

“I think the eastern block is being taken out to make way for the residential area.

“I don’t think anybody thought about the business side of it.”

The proposal to support the application, however, was seconded by Coun. Anne Dale, of Stocksfield, who said Prudhoe had to look to the future.

It was passed with 12 votes in favour, two against and one abstention.

Speaking after the meeting, the council’s chief executive Richard Robson said the development was “a real opportunity to revitalise Prudhoe town centre” and would build on “significant investments and improvements.”

“We will of course be referring this application to the Government Office for the North-East as the housing element of the scheme represents a significant departure from the development plan,” he added.

John Short, chairman of Prudhoe Traders’ Association, which has led the opposition, said: “I want to thank the public, the businesses and the residents for the way they conducted themselves.

“It was a packed house, a very passionate meeting, and they did themselves proud. We still have some queries about the policies, which we will be following up on.”

It is expected that work will begin within the next 18 months.

l Special report – pages 4 & 5.