Councillors vow to object to massive Middle Farm housing development in Cramlington

Dysart Developments has unveiled a proposal prior to a planning application for a 2,200 home development to the east of the Northumbria Emergency Care Hospital at a 145 hectare site known as Middle Farm.

However, councillors in the town are not convinced by the proposals. County councillor Wayne Daley, who represents the Cramlington North ward, said the proposals were “totally inappropriate.”

He said: “The developers are doing a temperature check. I do not think it will happen, but it is a nightmare.

“If they do put a planning application in, they can do that. But if they do, the minute this becomes formalised, I will be objecting, and I am sure almost 100% of the residents of Cramlington will too.

“It flies in the face of the Northumberland Local Plan and the Cramlington Neighbourhood Plan. Everything about this is saying it is a really bad idea.

“We need to make sure they understand people do not want a large housing estate on their doorstep. It is completely inappropriate. The only housing allocated in the neighbourhood plan is supported living for older people and a small number of starter homes.

“This would create significant pressure on the road network and local services, and that is totally unacceptable.

"I think, and I am pretty sure on this, that the temperature check they have done has had a response of ‘thanks, but no thanks’.”

Cllr Daley also pointed out that the development fell into the Seaton Valley area as opposed to the Cramlington area in planning terms, meaning the town would get “all of the pain and none of the gain” when it came to developer contributions from section 106 agreements.

His concerns were echoed by Cllr Paul Ezhilchelvan, who represents the Cramlington South East ward. He said: “At this stage I see three major reasons to oppose this development.

“It will inevitably add traffic to the already seriously congested Moor Farm Roundabout. Highways England have no known plans yet to sort it out.

“It will also excessively strain and stress our town’s infrastructure, such as Manor Walks and the schools.

“Finally, the council’s own strategic housing land availability assessment declares this land not suitable for building residential houses. It is a public document produced in 2021 and valid until 2036.

"This development must be stopped for the good of all. When they put the planning application in, I intend to hold residents’ meetings and to formulate my own objections.”

Dysart, working alongside Story Homes and Amethyst Homes, has said there will be a “pressing need” for additional employment land sites due to “growth opportunities.” It adds that alongside employment growth housing growth is needed for employees, and argues that the Middle Farm development can deliver both of these needs.

Among the suggested travel options for the development include the use of “autonomous pods” that would transport residents to the nearby stations of the Northumberland Line to connect to the wider transport network. The developers say this would provide access to “sustainable modes of transport.”

The proposals would use Dromos vehicles, which feature each passenger or “travel party” use their own vehicle and the ability to request a ride via an app. However, the idea remains a concept and there are currently no such schemes operating.

Responding to the concerns raised by councillors, Dysart’s development director Mike Clark defended the proposals and said the site could generate millions to the region’s economy.

He said: “Middle Farm is an exciting opportunity for the wider region and it is estimated that, subject to planning, it will generate £720 million towards economic output over a 10-year period, and generate £4.6 million estimated annual increase in council tax revenue for Northumberland County Council.

"Around 1,395 gross full time equivalent jobs could be supported on-site by the proposed employment area.

“Neither the NorthumberlandLocal Plan, or other neighbourhood plans, adopted in February 2022 made provision for key projects such as theNorthumberland Line, Blyth gigaplant, and aspirations of the North East Devolution Deal.

"As a result of these growth opportunities there will be a pressing need for additional employment land, attractive commercial space, supported by new housing. This site can deliver all of these.

“Our proposals seek to deliver a sustainable development, providing green space in a high quality environment, creating opportunities for the provision of local amenity and services.

"This includes responding to the travel and transport needs of the development to mitigate its impact on the local road network.

“The proposals at Middle Farm include social benefits such as a link between the Northumberland Line and Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, and multiple walking and cycling links throughout the development to Cramlington, Seghill, and Seaton Delaval.

“The masterplan includes provision for a primary school and discussion is ongoing with the local education authority so that the impact on schools is addressed.

"Other services will be offered such as shops, a nursery, a hotel, and a gym, making for a sustainable community perfect for first time buyers, families, and the elderly.

“The consultation process allows feedback and queries from the local community to be heard so that proposals can be refined accordingly.

“Despite the proposals being largely outside of the Cramlington Neighbourhood Plan’s area an event was held in Cramlington so that the local population have a chance to consider the proposals and offer their views. These will be taken into account when plans are refined over the coming months.”