AN application for the construction of two homes to the west of Riding Mill Farm has been rejected by Tynedale councillors based on fears it would harm the setting and character of the Grade II listed site.

Concerns were raised at a Tynedale Local Area meeting after the proposal showed the siting and height of the proposed dwellings would dominate the listed buildings and significantly impact the historical context of the site.

A Northumberland County Council planning report said: “The siting of the dwellings, some 10 metres from the rear elevation of the existing farm buildings would be too close to provide a good level of residential amenity resulting in a limited outlook and a degree of overshadowing.”

A separate proposal for the same site also sought approval for the change of use and alteration of the listed buildings, but was also rejected.

Broomhaugh and Riding Parish Council supported the plans because they brought redundant farm buildings back to use.

However, a Northumberland County Council planning report said: “The proposal would, with the alterations to the buildings and the lack of information to substantiate those changes, represent substantial harm to the listed buildings for which any limited public benefits that could be demonstrated would not outweigh that harm.”