A DECISION to reject plans for five new homes in a hamlet near Ponteland has been overturned on appeal.
Croft Estates’ bid to build the properties in Medburn was refused by the county council’s west area planning committee last November because of the ‘detrimental impact’ on the area’s rural character.
But inspector Chris Checkley said the houses would be beneficial because they will replace deteriorating vacant farm buildings at the former Prospect Farm.
Ponteland Town Council was an objector and its planning committee Chairman David Butler said: “I understand where the inspector is coming from about the vacant farm buildings, but I can’t understand where he says Medburn is close enough to Ponteland to make the homes sustainable. He mentioned people cycling into Ponteland, but it’s very difficult to bring your shopping back on a bike.”