Residents fight plans for affordable homes

18/04/2008

ANGRY Falstone residents are fighting plans for affordable homes in the village.

Milecastle Housing and Tynedale Council invited members of the public to Falstone Village Hall to discuss plans for six three-bedroom houses on Hawkhope Hill.

The general response was against the construction of the estate, largely due to fears that it would add to existing flooding problems in the area.

There were also concerns that the new houses would be too close to existing properties, and residents have questioned the need for affordable housing in Falstone.

Residents have now launched a petition, and there are plans to set up a committee to fight the plans.

Last July, heavy rainfall caused damage to homes at Hawkhope Hill.

When the existing houses were built in 1977, there were a number of water-related concerns, and residents fear similar problems would arise if the plans get the go-ahead.

John Park, who has lived in the street for over 30 years, said: “When they built the existing estate there were a lot of problems. Houses were just flooded out.

“I am worried that, when they start digging out all the bank side, it is going to flood my house.”

Residents are also concerned about the proposed site for the new houses.

Plans shown at the meeting indicated the new buildings would encroach on some of the existing householders’ privacy. Some properties would be just three metres from their front doors.

Residents also felt there was no need for additional housing in the village, particularly as there was no village school.

Mr Park said: “There is no need for houses for people in this village. There’s only one young couple wanting a house that I know of.”

Another Hawkhope Hill resident, Rita Burns added: “There is not really a demand.

“There is no school or shop nearby.

“We were told they weren’t building any more houses where there aren’t any schools.”

A planning application has yet to be submitted for the project, but is expected in the near future.

Despite indicating support for the petition, some residents admitted the process was at a very early stage.

Mrs Burns added: “Until they apply for planning permission, we can’t really do much.”

Milecastle Housing has defended its plans, claiming there is a shortage of new houses.

Head of housing, care and support Chris Scott said: “With over 90,000 North-East households, including families and first-time buyers, currently on housing waiting lists, the need for affordable homes in the region is at an all-time high.

“We are presently examining a number of options for providing much-needed homes in Tynedale, including providing six new three-bedroom family homes at Falstone.

“We have already carried out a detailed site investigation, which has included assessing factors such as flood risk, and will be working very closely with Tynedale Council and Northumbrian Water to develop a scheme which meets the needs of this rural community at a time when it is becomingly increasingly difficult for families to find quality affordable homes.

“Here at Milecastle, we pride ourselves on building quality local housing for local people and can assure all concerned that these new homes will meet all regulatory requirements.”

Milecastle Housing, a not-for-profit association, provides over 3,000 affordable homes in Tynedale.

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