RESIDENTS have objected after an outline planning application was submitted for 65 affordable homes in Ponteland.

Earlier this year, Esh Living, working with IDPartnership and Karbon Homes, announced plans for the homes to be constructed on land at the southern end of Western Way in Darras Hall.

Developers have attempted to reassure residents that the new homes will be designed to fit in with the local area.

They have said that the main aim of the planned development is to allow local people who have had to move out of the area to find accommodation that meets their needs, to return back to their roots, whether that be local young people starting out on the property ladder or those that wish to downsize to more suitable accommodation.

The plans include a mixture of two and three bedroom properties, comprising a mix of family homes, starter homes, bungalows and retirement living apartments.

There has been 15 objections to the outline application for the construction of the homes so far and zero supporting comments.

One resident branded the application a “ridiculous scheme”.

Concerns raised include the increase in traffic, poor transport links, impact on local amenities, the effect on wildlife, and building on Green Belt land.

Many objectors also commented that the proposal is not “in keeping” with the local area.

One resident wrote: “The development does not fit in with the rest of the estate of large gardens and space between properties that are more in keeping with the semi-rural location.”

Another said: “Darras Hall residents enjoy a “garden village” type of lifestyle with houses that are well spaced.

“A development of this nature, with 65 homes crammed on to a small site does not comply with this at all.”

“It will also lead to more pressure on school places and already stretched GP services,” they added.

Others expressed concern that should the proposal be granted approval, it would “devalue the houses adjacent to the site considerably”.

In June, Laura Devaney, at Esh Living, said during the consultation process there was a positive response from “a number of local people, including those living in rented accommodation, who are keen to get on to the property ladder and remain in their community, as well as feedback from those who wish to downsize and remain in the area close to family.”

Visit the county council’s planning portal and search reference number 21/02437/OUT.