AN APPLICATION to build 20 more homes in Humshaugh has received more than 100 objections, including one from Hexham’s MP.

The proposal, submitted by Duchy Homes, is an extension to the south of the current 21 homes at the Chesters Meadow site which were approved in 2016.

Since 2016, 54 new houses have been built or had construction approved, an increase of 23 per cent in the village.

MP, Guy Opperman, said: “Humshaugh is a wonderful example of a rural Northumberland community which has embraced new housing and new residents, with significant additions of both new private and social housing developments.”

However, the 23 per cent increase has raised concerns about the village’s boundary lines within the Northumberland Local Plan.

“I fear there is real danger that in allowing a disproportionate volume of new build in our rural villages, in such a short space of time, we change them beyond recognition,” Mr Opperman added.

In the original planning application to secure permission for its Chesters Meadow estate, Duchy Homes stated that the land subject to planning approval should not be built on. Mr Opperman continued: “I would suggest that this previous commitment from Duchy Homes should be seriously considered when weighing up this current application.”