A PROPOSAL for 10 new homes in Great Whittington has been met with approval by Historic England.

The site lies at the eastern end of the Great Whittington Conservation Area which was designated in 1992 due to the historic and architectural significance of the village.

A statement from Historic England, read: “The application site makes an important contribution to the area’s special interest, providing a setting to the village that reveals its agricultural past, enriches its rural charm and links the settlement to its early history.”

“It demonstrates how advantageous a good understanding of the special interest of an area is in informing new proposals in historic areas and how this can be used to positive effect to reinforce a sense of place.”

Building conservation officer, Val Robson, supports the application and considers that it does not cause harm to the Conservation Area or to the setting of the listed buildings within the area.

A spokesman for Corbridge-based Elliott Architects, who are working on the project, said: “This is a real opportunity to create a new development which is an extension to the existing community, and to do it through high quality design in a sensitive historic context.

“We have carried out extensive public consultations and had the unanimous support of the local residents.

“We have worked with the NCC planning and conservation teams, as well as those involved with the Great Whittington Neighbourhood Plan and the village hall committee in order to to create a high quality and community focused proposal.”

However, Whittington Parish Council has objected to the proposal based on development layout and transport issues.

A statement from the council, read: “We do not feel that the new application, as it stands, responds to the policies set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, the emerging core strategy and the emerging Whittington Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan.

“The roads in the immediate area of the proposal are currently under considerable pressure due to the new residential development currently under construction on the opposite side of the road.

“Any increase would further exceed the capacity of the road network and create a road safety hazard.”