PLANS to build new homes in Barrasford have been given the green light.

A planning application for 14 houses southwest of Chollerton First School was first submitted in October 2019.

The site previously had permission for 18 houses which lapsed and the application followed the refusal of a scheme for 10 homes.

Planners have now agreed to the houses to be constructed by Nick Dawe, of Lindisfarne Homes, subject to a Section 106 agreement. 

A total of £24,000 will be required towards mitigating the impact of the development on Queen Elizabeth High School and a contribution of £32,742.62 has been sought towards provision for amenity green space and provision for children and young people.

Of the 14 homes, four will be three-bedroom. They will be affordable homes proposed as shared ownership properties. The other 10 homes will be 4+ bed. 

A delegated report says: "Having regard to the location and scale of the development, the principle of new housing on the site is considered to be acceptable and would result in a sustainable form of development.

"The scheme also makes suitable provision at this time for affordable housing.

"Whilst there would be a change in character as a result of the development of the land, the site is well related to existing development and would fall within the settlement boundary for the village.

"The layout, scale and design of the scheme as amended is considered to be acceptable in this location and would not result in significant or adverse impacts upon the visual amenity of the site and wider area or the amenity of surrounding residents and uses.

"Barrasford has a number of services, including a shop, pub, school and village hall and does benefit from public transport links, albeit a limited service. Whilst the proposal would represent major development, this would not result in a disproportionate scale of development compared to the extent of the village."

The scheme attracted local objection over concerns for flooding, the accuracy of the information in planning documents, the need for more homes when others are available, the homes not meeting residents' needs, additional traffic and the loss of open space.