Keep Charlton OFF the map
Feb 18 2008 by Tony Henderson and Ben Guy, The Journal
A DECISION will be taken today on plans which have caused a stir in one of Northumberland’s most tranquil settlements.
Charlton is a hamlet close to the Bellingham to Kielder road and is not even signposted from the route. The population totals 18 adults and two children in 11 properties.
Today, Northumberland National Park Authority’s development control committee will debate plans by Julian Morrison-Bell to convert agricultural buildings at Charlton Old Farm.
Among objections to the plans are that signs to the developments would put the village on the map, something that is upsetting some local people who enjoy their seclusion.
The plans for Charlton Old Farm include conversion of an agricultural building to a home and office, the construction of a double garage, making former stables into bed and breakfast accommodation and changing a farm building to provide a cafe, gallery and a performance space.
There are also plans to turn an agricultural shed into a bunk house, and provide toilets and showers for a camp site of up to 20 pitches.
Mr Morrison-Bell maintains that most of the buildings are unsuitable for modern farming practices and are not now used. The development would generate four full-time and four part-time jobs. Two letters of support have been received from people in the area, who say that the scheme will restore the farm buildings and would mean jobs to support the local tourism industry.
Winston Barnett lives next to the farm that would be developed under the plans.
He said: “It seems to me a positive and has great merit – I can see no negative in it. People are only resistant to it because it is change.”
A letter of objection has been signed by 12 residents, although one has subsequently written a letter of support. The letter of objection says that while the regeneration of dilapidated farm buildings, possibly for residential use which could bring families into the hamlet is supported, the proposed bunk barn and campsite would at times triple the overnight population of Charlton.
“Charlton is a secluded hamlet in the heart of the national park. It is one of the few remaining traditional hamlets in the park and is not even signposted from the main road,” says the letter. At the beginning of the 19th Century, the North Tyne Valley was dotted with traditional hamlets. These have now disappeared, leaving Charlton as an important part of the valley’s heritage.
“It is a pretty, peaceful, traditional community. The residents have chosen to live in Charlton for this very reason – they have not asked to be rejuvenated and they enjoy the hamlet’s character, tranquillity, and privacy.”
The Campaign to Protect Rural England says that while it does not oppose new tourism facilities, the plans could be over-developing the hamlet. Planners are recommending refusal.
