Ambitious plan unveiled for Cambois homes

Nov 18 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

AMBITIOUS plans will be unveiled today to build hundreds of new homes in a Northumberland seaside village where residents fear their houses face demolition as part of a regeneration masterplan.

Banks Developments wants to build 470 homes and new community facilities on 48 acres of land in Cambois near Bedlington, to create what it describes as a sustainable community.

The company’s latest move comes seven months after its bid to create a 5,000-home eco-town in Cambois was rejected by the Government.

It also comes as many residents are calling for urgent consultations and decisions on the future of the village and the neighbouring hamlet of North Blyth, amid claims that up to 500 homes could be demolished under a multi-million- pound regeneration masterplan.

The Journal revealed last month how homeowners in Cambois and North Blyth are facing uncertainty over Wansbeck Council proposals aimed at safeguarding the future of the settlement through new housing development.

Today Banks Developments will announce the details of its latest plans for Cambois, which will include eco-friendly new houses, affordable properties, retirement homes and new community facilities.

It was unclear last night whether the project will involve any demolition of properties near the site of the former Blyth power station, where RWE npower wants to build a £2bn clean coal power plant and which the Port of Blyth has earmarked for a potential relocation.

The Journal revealed last month how hundreds of new homes could be built in Cambois to replace those earmarked for demolition under the regeneration masterplan. It would draw together the scattered community and effectively create a new village.

Yesterday, retired hospital worker Joy Kay, 61, of Wilson Avenue, Cambois, who has her house up for sale, said she had received no communication from the council about the way forward.

Mrs Kay said: “We just don’t know what is going on and keep hearing conflicting things from different people.

“What we need is some definite news from the council. I am simply not interested in moving from my house to another one built elsewhere in Cambois.

“I want the value of my house so that I can move on, and a lot of people feel the same way. I am recently widowed and this whole situation is just causing a lot of worry.”

Wansbeck Council says it is working on a housing-led regeneration scheme for Cambois, but at this stage no new building or demolition plans have been approved.

Properties on estates close to the former power station site, and at North Blyth, have been identified for potential replacement, because of their condition and market value.

Last night a spokesman said the authority did not want to comment on any potential proposals by Banks Developments.