TWO apartment blocks will soon go up in Ponteland town centre after controversial plans to replace the town’s library were given the go ahead.

An application to demolish the library and build 25 apartments on the Thornhill Road site was approved this week.

The plans were voted through by Northumberland County Council’s planning committee despite opposition.

The plans come from Ascent Homes, part of Northumberland’s development company, Arch.

A report from county council principal planning officer, Tony Carter was considered at the planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

It recommended that the application be approved.

The 25 apartments would be split into two blocks, linked by a glazed bridge.

The development would include 28 parking spaces.

The northern boundary of the development site neighbours Henderson Court – a three-story assisted living development, and its residents have expressed concern at the proximity of the apartments.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Sarah Robinson spoke on behalf of her parents who live in Henderson Court.

She said: “The site of the proposed development is a public garden and is well used by the local community.

“For some residents of Henderson Court, what they see from their window is their only link with nature and the outside world.

“Taking that away will undoubtedly impact on their health and wellbeing.

“The proposed developments will overlook flats on Henderson Court.

“Some residents receive personal and medical care, they will be overseen by future residents of this development. It will rob them of their dignity and privacy.”

Speaking on behalf of Ponteland Town Council, Coun. Christine Caisley highlighted traffic concerns.

She said: “I have seen the traffic problems on Thornhill Road. The town council wanted to take this facility on as a community hub.

“But I know it makes more money to sell it for housing.”

Principal planning officer, Mr Carter responded: “The site plans show a considerable distance between the proposed flats and Henderson Court.”

His report states that a minimum separation distance of 26.3m would not negatively impact residential amenity.

Northumberland County Council’s highways departments also stated that the proposals would ‘not exacerbate highway safety issues.’

County councillor for Stocksfield and Broomhaugh, Anne Dale said: “A lot of our villages and towns would welcome this in the middle of the town.”

The application was unanimously approved.