RESIDENTS have vented their fury after plans were lodged to move forward with a controversial development of 50 new homes in Prudhoe.

An outline scheme to build houses next to the Eltringham Works site was given the go-ahead by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee in August 2016.

The plans were unanimously approved by councillors despite a number of objections from North Row residents, who live just north of the site, as well as Prudhoe Town Council.

Both consultees and the town council felt there was a lack of information submitted.

The application, submitted by Horizon Works, comes just before the three year deadline placed on the original application.

North Row resident Rachel Harrison said: “I used to play down here when I was younger. This woodland has been here for at least 40 years.

“It will be a shame to see it go and it will damage the wildlife. We have bats and badgers living there.

Her neighbour, Kim Palmer, added: “We’re a close-knit community here and we’d like to maintain our little village atmosphere. There’s more than 200 trees that would be lost.

“I think there’s pressure on the council to build houses, but the south of Northumberland doesn’t need housing. There’s a surplus here.”

Coun. Ken Stow, who represents the area, said: “I have been in contact with residents regarding the development.

“I understand their concerns. I will do what I can to support them but, unfortunately, outline planning permission was granted in 2016 under the previous administration.

“I would urge all residents of North Row to submit their comments to NCC at the earliest opportunity.”

The development would feature 20 two-bedroom, semi-detached homes, 18 three-bedroom semis and 12 four-bedroom detached houses. Of these, eight would be affordable, as agreed during the outline application.

The main access would be a priority junction to the eastern boundary, just off the A695. However, there will be a route connecting the development to North Row. All of the properties would have their own driveway parking.

A design compliance statement reads: “The site presents a good opportunity for the creation of a distinctive residential neighbourhood. The proposal seeks to provide a community with a distinct character and a strong sense of place.”