Plans for a new housing development in a small rural village have been approved by councillors despite local concerns over the pressure on services.
Councillors on Northumberland County Council's North Northumberland Local Area Committee approved plans for four new bungalows and 12 new houses in Lowick near Berwick on Thursday.
Lowick Parish Council had raised concerns over the fact that 36 new homes have already been granted for the village. This, according to the parish council, would "adequately fulfil the need for housing" while local drainage and sewage systems were described as "inadequate."
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Neil Craig, director at the applicant, Berwick-based GM Craig, defended the application at the meeting. He said: "We have completed a full restoration of the village hall and built eight new homes in Lowick.
"We are a local business who employ local people. We rely on a constant supply of homes to keep our teams busy.
"Our clients want to live in this beautiful part of our county. These will be quality, energy-efficient homes."
The application had received nine further objections from members of the public. However, it was voted through by nine votes to one.
Members were particularly impressed by the developer's indication it would provide two affordable homes at a 45% discount. Under the council's local plan, GMC were not obliged to provide any affordable housing as the development is under 30 homes.
The report presented to councillors also recommended a 40 per cent discount on these homes, with the developer pledging to go further.
Coun Jeff Watson said: "I understand small villages don't particularly like additions to them, and I have had this in my own small villages - but in two or three years you will forget that they were additions.
"The people who live there will be on the parish council, and in the WI doing things for the village. It is the way of life.
"Forty-five per cent discount is a really wonderful thing. He doesn't have to do this, he's doing it for the community. I'm very happy to accept the proposal."
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