PLANS for two homes within a new housing development in Humshaugh have been given the go-ahead by a government planning inspector, despite county council and community objections.

The plans, submitted by developers Cussins, had been for two new homes within Haughton Square on land previously advertised as a paddock.

Residents raised their concerns about the loss of previously advertised open green space and Northumberland County Council rejected the plans on the basis it would be harmful to the amenity for local residents.

But in an appeal decision report, the planning inspector stated: “The visual effect would be more localised, and I consider that the open character of the estate would be retained.”

Humshaugh Parish Council said purchasers and villagers had been misled, because it was advertised as an integral open space, after plans for it to be sold with one of the adjacent homes were scrapped.

However, the planning inspector explained: “The reason for refusal is specifically loss of amenity open space and I have concluded that this area was not intended to form part of this provision.”

A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said: “We note the decision of the planning inspectorate in respect of this appeal by the applicant.”