Villagers object to fresh scheme for holiday lets
RESIDENTS of a Northumberland village are opposing a planning application for two holiday lets which they say will result in a “mini-holiday park”.
A planning application for two holiday lets at Dunstan has been submitted to Northumberland County Council by the owner of Dunstan House, Janet Stansfield. Similar development plans were submitted in 2021, which were refused by the North Northumberland Local Area Planning Committee in 2023.
However, new plans have been drawn up and the proposal could accommodate up to 28 people and
Northumberland isn’t attracting the number of visitors it potentially can. It needs to build on its assets Applicant Janet Stansfield
would have an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and ice baths, yoga pod, play park, and other amenities.
The previous proposal was rejected because of its adverse impact on the local heritage of the village.
Residents are hoping for a similar outcome this time, and many have attached signs showing their dissent at the plans to their own properties.
Coun Martin Smith, of Craster Parish Council, who is a resident of Dunstan, described the plans as a major concern. Residents say that there is sufficient holiday accommodation and amenities in the village, and they also believe there is a highways health and safety risk, environmental health risk and damage, and threat to heritage features.
He said: “The previous plans were roundly rejected by Northumberland’s Planning Committee members last year and these revisions are a further deterioration of what we were presented with at that time.
“These plans present a number of major concerns; in terms of loss of tranquillity, noise pollution, highways safety, environmental damage and threatening the quality of amenity enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike”.
Jackie Reeves, a neighbouring resident, added: “These plans take no account of the surrounding area of Dunstan village nor its distinctive character and setting as well as the very pressing need to ensure the long-term sustainability of our North Northumberland coastal villages for residents.”
Ms Stansfield said that there is a lack of “higher end” properties in the region to cater to visitors who spend more in the area which supports local jobs, businesses and the local economy. She added: “Tourism is so vital for the future of the residents of Northumberland.
“Many historical industries have closed. It brings over a billion pounds into the local economy, directly to the retail and service sector.
“Northumberland isn’t attracting the number of visitors it potentially can. It needs to build on its assets and enjoy the rewards.”