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Residents are claiming victory against one of Britain’s richest aristocrats after plans to build cottages on historic farmland in the Northumberland countryside were rejected.
The Duke of Northumberland’s company Northumberland Estates had planned to build three properties on the outskirts of the picturesque market town of Alnwick but faced a backlash from furious locals.
Some objected to the three-bedroomed stone and slate cottages on the basis they would damage historic former farmsteading and its surrounding rural setting within a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
CGI of how the houses would have looked. (Image: SWNS)
Others warned the development would threaten wildlife, increase flooding risks and expressed concerns over disturbance from housebuilding - including noise, pollution and traffic.
And last week Northumberland County Council’s planning committee chose to vote against the scheme near Greensfield Farm after hearing the plans fell outside the settlement boundary and would have an adverse impact on the landscape.
Northumberland Estates represents the business interests of the Duke of Northumberland Ralph Percy, 69, who is worth an estimated £509 million and is close friends with King Charles.
King Charles on a visit to The Alnwick Garden, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. (Image: SWNS)
He lives with his wife Duchess Jane, 68, in the nearby Harry Potter-inspired Alnwick Castle, which also featured in TV's Downton Abbey and Blackadder.
Alnwick Castle. (Image: SWNS)
One local resident who objected to the plans, Bradley Martin Greensfield said: "I object strongly on what could be just the tip of the iceberg looking to generate a precedent for further development of the land beyond the proposed properties which currently and historically has been a paddock or agricultural land.
"Flooding over the last few years has caused significant runoff and damage to 200-year-old dry stone walls which had to be protected by tonnes of stones and gravel deposited to slow down the deluge prior to building on the old cow sheds.
"Further property expansion may take away the beauty of the historic Greensfield Farmsteading and diminish its visual appeal."
Detail of the proposed development from the Northumberland County Council planning documents. (Image: SWNS)
Sarah Quinlan added: "The loss of this open green space would negatively impact the wellbeing and enjoyment of many local residents.
"I also have concerns regarding the likely disruption caused by construction. Previous nearby developments have resulted in prolonged periods of drilling, excavation noise, vibration, and dust.
"As nearby residents who have only recently established family life in what is currently a peaceful area, we are extremely concerned about the impact prolonged construction activity would have on our home environment and quality of life.
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. // (Image: SWNS)
"In addition, I have personally observed curlews nesting within this greenbelt area.
"Curlews are an increasingly threatened species, and I am concerned that development of the site, alongside associated construction activity and increased human disturbance, could damage or destroy valuable nesting habitat and negatively impact local wildlife and biodiversity more generally.
"Overall, I do not believe this application sufficiently addresses the impact on local amenity, wildlife habitat, public access, highway safety, or construction disruption. I strongly object to the proposal as currently submitted."
Jamie Kavanagh commented: "My objections are grounded in material planning considerations covering cumulative residential amenity impact, highway access, geological constraints, green infrastructure and the diversion of a public right of way.
"Residents in this area have experienced significant and sustained disturbance from the neighbouring Steadings development for over two years and the Fairways development more recently.
"That disturbance has included construction noise, heavy vehicle movements, dust and general disruption to daily life.
"I would ask that the committee weigh not just the standalone impact of this proposal, but the total burden placed on existing residents over an extended and continuous construction period."
Louise Thomas said: "This is an amazing location, this small field is a wonderful location for the thousands of insects and butterflies that make it their home.
"I'm always amazed at all the caterpillars and insects that we see as we journey this short path which is the gateway to further walks towards the Greenway.
"The area is alive with small birds, warblers, thrushes, goldfinches, house sparrows and linnets with skylarks overhead.
"Many of the small trees have been lost from this area, the orchard from the farm was dug up, which has been a great loss to the living variety within this ecosystem.
"This is an amazing field with stunning views along the footpath which is a joy for all who use it. Why ruin this small area which is a haven for biodiversity in the local area for three houses."
The scheme had originally been recommended for approval by council planners but concerns were raised that the proposals fell outside the settlement boundary of Alnwick’s neighbourhood plan, which is currently under review.
Alnwick councillor and chairman of the committee Councillor Martin Swinbank proposed refusal, citing a negative impact on the landscape and the setting of the “historic” nearby farmsteads.
The scheme was rejected by four votes to one.
Emily Andrews, development planners at Northumberland Estates, said: "The development responds to identified local housing need for two and three-bedroom homes in Alnwick.
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. (Image: SWNS)
"The design of the scheme is a particular strength - the proposed homes are 1.5 storey cottages designed to reflect the buildings around them so it sits comfortably beside the existing farmstead.
"This is a modest development in a sustainable location and all matters have been carefully considered."
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Northumberland Estates also disputed the neighbour's complaint that the land was a Site of Special Scientific Interest saying the nearest SSSI is over four miles away.
They also say their plans were within the current Alnwick Neighbourhood Plan and the town council had questioned whether the application should be refused because it fell outside the proposed future settlement boundary.
Their officers and the legal team argued this could not yet be used as a reason for refusal because the application needed to be assessed against the current adopted plan and they say the proposed site is within that boundary.