TWO new family homes are planned for Hexham town centre.

The former Grant's bakery site could be home to both a five-bedroom and a three-bedroom property.

An application for the demolition of existing dilapidated mixed commercial units and the erection of two self-build homes - one two-storey and the other two-and-a-half storeys - with associated gardens and parking on land to the rear of 11-13 Cattle Market has been submitted to Northumberland County Council by Mr and Mrs Currie.

The site currently has planning permission for the development of eight apartments in a three-storey building.

However, a design and access statement submitted alongside the application for the scheme, named Broadgate Mews, said with "several schemes for apartments recently built or under construction there is less requirement for more small apartments".

"There is a severe lack of new family homes in the town centre - there is very much a demand for this and it coupled with improving the heritage zone makes it a significant contribution," the statement said.

It added: "The site has fallen into disrepair since the former commercial buildings closed and now stand empty along with a number of buildings in the area.

"The site is however ideally situated close to all the amenities of central Hexham and therefore provides an excellent opportunity for regeneration and to create a unique development."

The applicants have already secured permission for the redevelopment of the vacant Potting Shed building which is south of the site as a mixed-use scheme. However, a subsequent re-submission to provide office units throughout is currently pending consideration.

The design and access statement added: "This is all very much part of the applicants' desire to invest personally in their home town."

"It is further hoped the redevelopment of this site and the Potting Shed, with a strong visual continuity, will also be a catalyst for further redevelopment of the other large sites, such as the former bus station," it said.

"Traditional materials have been inspired by the Heritage Action Zone in particular to the Cobble Sets and landscaping along Broadgates."

For more details, visit the county council's planning portal here and search reference number 22/03694/FUL