Plans submitted for Potland Burn site

Eight hectares in size and known locally as Potland Burn, the site is adjacent to a surface mine previously operated by UK Coal.

Irregularly shaped, it is bounded on one side by the A1068, on the south by existing residential properties and to the west by stables, paddocks and woodland.

More than 50 residents, including eight councillors, attended a public exhibition to see the plans on display and hear about the proposed development from representatives of Ascent Homes, the house-building arm of Arch, the council-owned development company.

The scheme will include 143 two, three and four-bedroom homes, including bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. There will also be an element of affordable housing.

In response to the feedback given at the public exhibition, some changes were made to the original site layout before submitting the bid, which included the addition of bungalows to address privacy issues in certain locations.

Duncan Bowman, development director for Ascent Homes, said: “I believe this scheme will allow us to introduce some much-needed variety into the housing market with a mix of accommodation types.

“Additionally, we are always keen to consult with local people about our housing plans for the area and whenever possible, to take account of their comments and ideas when submitting planning applications.”

He added: “We are expecting determination of the Potland Burn planning application later this spring and we are hoping that the planning department will see fit to give us the go ahead since this development will enable us to make a significant contribution to the Government’s housing targets for this part of Northumberland.”