RESIDENTS are celebrating after a controverisal application to build 20 new homes was refused by councillors.

The proposals for a further development in Humshaugh were submitted by Duchy Homes as an extension to the current 21 homes at the Chester Meadow site which were approved in 2016.

Villagers were strongly opposed to the application, which received more than 100 objections.

In March, a meeting at Humshaugh Village Hall was attended by more than 80 residents who were unanimous in their objections to the proposal.

The application was put to county councillors at Tynedale Local Area Council’s meeting on Tuesday.

Planning officers had recommended the application for refusal because it was classed as building on open countryside and would damage the Humshaugh conservation area.

Speaking at the meeting, Humshaugh Parish Council’s vice-chairman, Kirsten Francis, said: “The parish council is delighted that the officers are recommending this application for refusal.

“We’re not a nimby council. We have tried to work with the council and the developers in the past.

“However, we have now reached a tipping point.

“Our village is at great risk of being damaged.

“If you diminish Humshaugh and places like it you diminish Northumberland.

“This application will do just that.”

To the delight of residents, county councillors voted unanimously to support the recommendations and refuse the application.

Coun. Nick Oliver said: “This application would change the character of Humshaugh.

“We don’t need any more executive housing in Humshaugh, and it’s contrary to the policies listed. To me, it’s quite a clear, simple case.”