Holiday lets refusal 'sends powerful signal'

A parish council has said the appeal decision is of national significance

New village holiday lets have been refused again after a council previously turned them down.

Applicant Janet Stansfield appealed against Northumberland County Council's decision to reject two holiday cottages on her land north and east of Dunstan House.

However, a planning inspector said the appeal should be dismissed as it would conflict with the nearby village of Craster's Neighbourhood Plan which covers Dunstan and denies support to new housing unless it is for permanent dwellings.

Councillor Martin Smith, chair of Craster Parish Council, said the decision is not just a local victory but "a powerful signal nationally".

He said: "The implications of this case extend far beyond Northumberland.

"With rural and coastal communities across England facing unsustainable levels of second homes and holiday lets, this ruling underlines the national importance of neighbourhood planning in protecting local housing supply, supporting sustainable communities and preserving the vitality of villages."

'Social harm'

The development proposed two holiday lets for a 28-person stay at Dunstan House, and featured an outdoor natural swimming pool.

Mrs Stansfield, presented development plans in 2021 which were refused on heritage grounds in early 2023.

The latest plans, which were put forward for approval after being categorised as holiday homes and not second homes, were met with 124 objections in February and blocked unanimously by the council.

But, in the appeal decision, an inspector said "holiday lets would be in direct conflict with the development strategy for the area and would give rise to social harm as the proposal would not contribute appropriately to the mix of housing sought within the Neighbourhood Plan area".