Residents of Dunstan, a small coastal village in Northumberland, are rallying against a renewed proposal to construct two large holiday homes on the grounds of Dunstan House. This marks the second time such a plan has been submitted, following its rejection in 2023 due to concerns about its impact on the village’s character. The development, which has sparked considerable debate, has seen more than 100 objections lodged with Northumberland County Council, while only ten residents have expressed support.
Dunstan House, a sizable property currently accommodating up to 12 guests, is set to undergo a significant expansion if the proposal is approved. The revised plan includes the construction of two additional holiday homes, increasing the total guest capacity to 28. The developers, Stuart Palmer Architects, have stated that their goal is to create a “unique holiday destination” along the Northumberland coast.
Key features of the revised proposal include:
- Lowered building heights and modified cladding to blend better with the local aesthetic.
- The addition of a swimming pool.
- A series of interconnected gardens for yoga, meditation, and children’s activities.
Despite these modifications, many villagers remain opposed, fearing that the expansion will turn the site into what they describe as a “mini holiday park,” ultimately harming the quiet charm of their community.
One of the primary concerns among locals is the potential for increased noise and traffic. Stephen Reeves, who lives next to the proposed development, expressed his apprehension, stating, “They’ll be a very significant number of visitors who’ll be staying there, so it’s really like a mini holiday park, not a holiday let.”
Helen Chamberlain, another resident, voiced similar concerns, particularly about the number of vehicles the expansion might bring to the village. “If you have 28 people staying, how many cars are you going to have? We already have so many holiday lets in Dunstan. That would rise to 28 guests it’s a huge increase.”
While opposition to the development is strong, a small number of supporters believe the holiday homes could bring economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism revenue for local businesses. However, opponents argue that the negative impact on the village’s environment and character outweighs any potential financial gains.
The debate highlights a broader issue faced by many coastal and rural communities in the UK: balancing tourism-driven economic growth with preserving the character and tranquility of local areas. Many residents of Dunstan fear that an influx of short-term visitors could lead to more traffic congestion, strain on local resources, and a loss of the village’s peaceful atmosphere.
With the application set to be reviewed by Northumberland County Council on February 20, both residents and developers await the final decision. If rejected again, it remains to be seen whether further modifications will be proposed, or if the developers will abandon the project altogether.
For now, signs opposing the holiday lets remain scattered across Dunstan, a visible reminder of the resistance within the community. Whether their concerns will be enough to halt the development for a second time will soon be determined.
