Locals against boundary plans

Nov 7 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

RESIDENTS of Northumberland’s National Park turned out to voice their views against settlement boundaries plans.

The first of a series of meetings was held last night organised by the National Park Authority to gauge the responses to the proposals, which would draw lines around each of the settlements.

The two meetings at Harbottle Village Hall related to the Harbottle and Rochester settlements and Holystone, Alwinton and Elsdon villages.

Councillor for Harbottle with Elsdon Sue Bolam said people had clear views there was no need for such measures as only around five houses are built each year in the park.

“They are against having hard and fast boundaries that might preclude them in the future for meeting a local or business need.

“There are enough other policies in place to make a judgment on the merit of individual applications.”

Peter Dawson, chairman of Alnwick District Council said: “There has to be a careful balancing act. The wrong decision taken now could stop the community for the next 10 to 15 years.

The next meeting takes place at Hollybush Inn, Greenhaugh on Monday between 6pm and 7.30pm for Greenhaugh, Lanehead and Falstone settlements; 7.30pm – 9pm for Charlton, Stonehaugh and Stannersburn settlements.