A MAJOR development which would transform the centre of a Tynedale town with the building of at least 100 houses is being prepared by the Duke of Northumberland.

A detailed application is about to be submitted to the county council by the duke’s property arm, Northumberland Estates, to build the houses on its land at the former allotment site south of Broomhouse Lane in Prudhoe.

The site has had outline planning permission for between 100 and 110 houses since two applications were submitted in 2013 and 2016.

And with the full application now nearing completion, head of planning and development at Northumberland Estates, Colin Barnes, said he hoped it would bring investment into the town.

“The application follows more detailed work in relation to design,” he said.

“The planned scheme will include affordable housing, family and starter homes, and being close to the town centre should help to support the high street.

“We are in discussions with the council and Advance Northumberland regarding the land adjacent to the existing car park, to see how that could best tie in to town centre improvements.

“Along with the Tyneview Retail Park at Low Prudhoe, these proposals should help to bring jobs, high quality housing and much needed investment to Prudhoe.”

The former allotment site has long been the source of problems for neighbours.

In 2017, nearby residents raised concerns when they said the overgrown site was becoming an attraction for rats.

This week’s news received a cautious welcome from the town’s mayor and county councillor.

Mayor Coun. Tracy Gilmore said: “I’m encouraged to see some progression.

“I would hope that if the housing were to go ahead that the plans to build more shop units to compliment the high street will also be considered.”

Coun. Gordon Stewart added: “There has been great uncertainty about the future of the land. Now we appear to have some progress. I would ask interested parties to participate in the planning process.”

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