Group to oppose plans to build on green space
RESIDENTS of a seaside town are up in arms about a potential development that would see an access road cut through a popular area of green space.
Northumberland Estates, the Duke of Northumberland’s property arm, has submitted plans to build 48 supported living apartments, 35 residential apartments and 10 homes on land north east of the Riverside Park in Amble.
However, the development would require an access road across the Braid, a popular piece of greenfield land used by dog walkers and for community events such as fireworks displays.
Because of this, the development has attracted significant criticism from locals and a campaign group, Save Our Braid, has been formed to organise opposition to the proposals.
Group member Terry Barton said: “The only way to find out about it is on the internet, which is ageist. People over 60 don’t always have the internet.
“A lot of people are really, really angry and annoyed about it. The Braid was given to the public by Alnwick District Council 50 years ago, and it is used for recreation, lots of dog walkers use it.
“It is the village green and one of the few open green spaces let in Amble. Virtually everyone we’ve spoken to is against it.”
Mr Barton said he asked Northumberland Estates why it had not held a public consultation event, but was told it was due to concerns over Covid-19.
Northumberland Estates said it created
a website for the development, which includes a section where users could express their views, in February.
It has also now submitted a planning application to Northumberland County Council, which has received 78 objections and one comment in support.
A planning notice was also placed in the Northumberland Gazette, which also featured a press release, as did The Ambler.
Guy Munden, development planner at Northumberland Estates, said: “Plans to create a ‘lifetime neighbourhood’ in Amble are rooted in the need to provide more high-quality homes for people, particularly in later life, which allow people to thrive within a community that meets their needs in terms of location, care and service availability.
“Our proposals are intended to meet that much-needed housing requirement, but also include extensive green infrastructure, landscaping and usable open green space. The proposed access road, which affects only a small area of the Braid, includes low traffic flows and non-intrusive street lighting and will have significantly less impact than the previous road designed to serve a proposed supermarket.”
He added: “Feedback supports Northumberland County Council’s assessment that there is a need for this type of development in the region, showing significant support for housing aimed at older residents and new housing in Amble.
“We can reassure residents that the homes would be prioritised for longterm residents and to meet local needs.”