Proposals for a new home, which objectors said posed a risk to the safety of motorists and pedestrians, have been rejected by a national planning inspector.

The application for a three-bedroom bungalow at the junction of Western Avenue and Cranbrook Drive, in Prudhoe, had been turned down by planners, but went to appeal.

County councillors, Prudhoe Town Council and local residents had raised concerns about the application. County Councillor for Prudhoe North, Ken Stow, said the majority of local people had no issues with the design of the bungalow, but objected on safety grounds.

“The location of the development on the bend means it would create a blind spot for drivers,” he said.

“It’s currently an open space and residents were also worried about the overdevelopment of the area. People are saying this is fantastic news for the area and an early Christmas present.”

Prudhoe town councillor for the Castle and Eltringham ward Chris Barret said: “The site has been in a state for a long time making it treacherous and dangerous for nearby residents. Trees have been cut down and rats have started to appear. Other concerns from residents included cars parked along the junction along the roadside, regardless of the number of car parking spaces at the development.”

Coun. Stow and Coun. Barret praised the work of former Prudhoe councillor Martin Foster, who died earlier this year. “Martin did a tremendous amount of work on this issue,” Coun. Barret said. “As councillors we organised an emergency surgery with residents to hear their opinions. Martin lived near Cranbrook Drive and was really dedicated to hearing residents views.”

The agent representing the applicant was contacted for comment.