Plans approved to convert former Barclays bank branch in Corbridge into houses

A former Barclays bank branch in a Northumberland village is set to be given a new lease of life seven years after it closed down.

The former bank on the Market Place in Corbridge will be converted to form two homes. The branch closed in 2017, and attempts since then to market it as a business space have been unsuccessful.

Despite concerns raised by local residents over parking and a loss of privacy, the plans were recommended for approval by council planners. The application went before councillors at Tuesday's meeting of Tynedale Local Area Committee.

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Speaking at the meeting, officers confirmed that no offers were received for the building as a business and that the council were happy with the principle of development. The project will involve an upgrade to the existing shopfront to incorporate two new entrances, an extension to the rear and a new garden room at lower ground level as well as external decking areas.

Speaking at the meeting, objector Aidan Marchand said: "I don't object to the principle of the application. It has been empty and needs development - my issue is about the manner of the development.

"Firstly, parking. In that corner of the market place there is a severe parking issue. The planning report states that local public parking is available and I have to challenge that and say there is a parking problem in Corbridge.

"The new extension will also result in a loss of daylight to my kitchen and overshadow my property, it will block out the remaining daylight. I will also have a loss of privacy."

Coun Ian Hutchinson admitted there were issues with parking in the town - but did not feel these were sufficient to refuse the application.

Proposing approval, he said: "Corbridge is so successful, parking has always been a problem there and it is going to get worse and worse. If it was a business, it would draw people to it and people still wouldn't be able to park regardless.

"We're never going to do anything with parking. People love to go there."

Coun Suzanne Fairless Aitken added: "I like what they've done. I like the style and the focus on heritage. It's very sympathetic.

"There is already a number of mixed uses in Corbridge and that is the way forward for lots of towns and villages."

The plans were voted through by the committee.