Homeowners' fury as 'distressing' 6ft fence blocks stunning view of valley

Householders have been left furious after two-metre high fence was erected obscuring stunning views of a valley.

A developer has already had proposals for homes rejected by a community council.

The proposal was unpopular with residents and the firm has appealed which will be heard next month.

But villagers in Heddon-on-the-Wall were astonished when a large wooden fence was erected on the border of the proposed site in Northumberland, in front of benches used by walkers.

Lorraine Twizell, whose house overlooks the fence, was furious it had been put up without warning.

She told ChronicleLive : "The whole village is very angry. There is a woman and her disabled son who like to come here and bird watch and he's very distressed and he's very distressed.

Residents, who are angry that a huge fence has blocked views across the valley (Newcastle Chronicle)

People also come here and watch the fireworks at New Year and on Bonfire Night.

"The benches are also used by people walking from Newburn, Wylam, and Throckley.

It's a viewing point which lots of the villagers come and use, and now the view is totally gone."

The initial planning application had been lodged developer Hamilton Willis which had a plan for four for four new homes in Heddon-on-the-Wall rejected by Northumberland County Council.

Maureen Gibson, added: "They had said this hedge had been overgrown and untidy. I've lived here 60 years and it's never been untidy. It's childish."

The view across the valley blocked by the fence (Newcastle Chronicle)

Residents have contacted Northumberland County Council as they feel the fence should have had planning permission due to its proximity to the highway.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are aware of this issue which is at the very early stages of investigation.

"An officer will be visiting the site in the coming weeks to determine if the fence requires
planning permission.

"Everyone who has been in touch with the council about this matter will be informed of the outcome of the site visit."

Lorraine also explained the latest situation with the planned development.

Lorraine Twizell is angry a huge fence has been erected (Newcastle Chronicle)

She said: "At the planning meeting we won, so we thought it was all over - but on January 4 we got a message saying the developer was going to take the decision to appeal.

"That's where the case is currently sitting.

"This must have been going on a couple of years now. In the appeal documents they've said they've been considerate to local residents, but they haven't."

Hamilton Willis has not responded to the Chronicle's request for comment.