PLANS for 26 new homes in Barrasford have been rejected by Tynedale councillors.

A planning application submitted by Northumberland Estates to build the new homes in the village was put before councillors at a Tynedale Local Area Council meeting on Tuesday, December 11.

The homes included a mix of three, four and five bedroom properties with seven affordable units.

The proposal also included plans for an associated access road, car parking, gardens and landscaping and drainage, on land to the immediate west of Barrasford Scout Centre, with Chollerton Church of England Primary School and open agricultural land beyond.

A representative from Northumberland Estates spoke at the meeting and said the provision of affordable housing was the overriding benefit.

Chairman of Chollerton Parish Council, Coun. Edward Heslop, who spoke at the meeting, warned of the likelihood of increased traffic through the village, further development and amount of affordable housing, but still supported the plans.

A statement said: “The parish council recognises the effect new houses would have on the sustainability of various community services within Barrasford, especially the school. Therefore, on balance, the parish council supports this application.”

But councillors raised concerns about the size and feasibility of the development. Coun. Colin Horncastle said: “All villages need new housing, but let’s not get carried away. This proposal is absolutely horrendous, and the size of the development is monstrous.”

Coun. Ian Hutchinson added: “There’s better areas in Barrasford in this one that could be developed.”

But, Coun. John Riddle said the homes would support the ‘outstanding’ rated school situated in the village. “If we’re going to sustain small villages we must be allowed to let them grow and support local services,” he said.

The council planning officers report stated: “By virtue of its location and scale, the proposed development would result in encroachment into the open countryside beyond the established built form of Barrasford and would have a resultant harmful impact upon the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding area.

“The location of the application site adjacent to Barrasford is not considered to be sustainable for a development of this scale.”

Councillors voted six to four in favour of rejecting the proposal.