EXCLUSIVE: Shock as Duke’s company axes supported housing in Amble
Residents at a consultation event in Amble were shocked to learn that supported living accommodation promised for the people of Amble was being scrapped.
Around thirty people attended the consultation event regarding the Braid Hill development
Representatives of Wynyard Homes, owned by the Duke of Northumberland told those present that the block of independent supported living apartments (ISL) would no longer form part of their development on Braid Hill. In an amendment due to be submitted to Planning, sixty residential homes are now to be built, instead of the 58 supported living apartments and 40 residential housing originally agreed.
“I was shocked at the news,” said one audience member. “Some people were just stunned and others were really disappointed.”
Another person described the news as classic ‘bait and switch’ from the developer.
The Ambler asked why the decision had been made to axe the ISL block. Stephen Litherland, Development Planning and Operations for Wynyard Homes said, “We have done some soft market testing for the 58no. supported living apartments and we just don’t think there would be enough takers for that quantum of development.”
Mayor, Cllr Luke McTaggart, said “Amble Town Council organised this engagement event in response to a request from residents. Whilst we appreciate the developers coming along, I and other councillors present were shocked at the major changes that were presented which would remove the one vital and redeeming element in the application – much needed independent supported living accommodation in a town centre location.
“As chair of the town council’s planning committee, we will be scrutinising plans and passing comment as they come forward.”
Controversial development
The application for Development of Independent Supported Living Apartments (58no.) and residential housing (40no.) on land south of the Gut proved controversial from the start, with objections raised over proposed access across the Braid, through Rivergreen, and finally via Riverside Park. The application was granted planning permission in June 2025.
The site at Braid Hill received planning for supported living apartments and residential housing
Many objections to development on the land next to the Braid have been voiced over the years. Concerns over potential flooding and the possibility of the properties becoming second or holiday homes were regularly expressed. Feelings have often run high and at the planning decision meeting one member of the public had to be escorted from the room.
The application was described to residents and to planners as a Lifetime Neighbourhood, with strong emphasis placed on the independent supported living accommodation. The application also allowed for the construction of 40 two and three bedroom residential homes. In their decision notice, NCC emphasised the importance of the ISL in their decision to allow the development.
“The increasing ageing population and lack of appropriate housing for people in later life means there is demand for appropriately designed homes for older people in the County. The Council’s Extra Care and Supported Housing Strategy commits to increasing the level of age-appropriate accommodation to meet an increasing demand. They have advised that the proposed development in Amble is specifically designed to both meet the needs of older people now and accommodate changing needs in the future. They consider that the proposal for the Independent Living “Extra Care” apartments enables older people to have the security of care ready accommodation while maintaining their own front door. Adult Social Services have held discussions with the applicant and Registered Providers and it is understood that there is interest from a couple of providers in taking the scheme forward, which will meet the needs of older people with care and support needs.”
Wynyard Homes informed those at the meeting that they now intend to build 60 two and three bedroom semi-detached and terraced homes which they estimate will sell for between £240k and £340k. Ten of the properties will be offered as affordable housing. The audience were also told the houses could not be sold as holiday homes.
County Councillors Pauline Davidson and Arty Hume have been asked for a comment.
Anna Williams
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How predictable was this. Does anyone know what the planning procedure is from here? Does it go through on the nod or will there be proper consultation on the impacts?
This change will certainly have an enormous effect on traffic generation at the very least.
I’m surprised that there are not more comments on this announcement,it’s as if everyone expected this situation to arise .
Will the towns residents express their dissatisfaction and ask for the planning permission to be rescinded?
I attended the meeting last night and was also surprised at the change of use for the site, since it was felt that the supported housing was needed, not more houses.
It appears that the company only have to apply for change of use for that part of the site, and if allowed there will be more traffic using the very narrow access road.
This announcement beggars belief. Amble was torn apart by the original planning application. Many opposed it on environmental grounds but others supported it because they felt Amble needed the age appropriate accommodation on offer. Well now it would appear that there are going to be no winners after all, except, of course, the Duke of Northumberland.
Amble has never been a town to make a fuss. But, as the saying goes, if you lie down lie a carpet, you will be walked over like a carpet. At what point are you going to say enough is enough?
Suprised?? No surprise – this is exactly what was predicted by many. NCC planning committee fell hook, line and sinker for Northumberland Estates’ subterfuge, and passed the original plans on the back of the ISL promise. What do they think now that it will be yet another housing development, and with very poor access? The site has already been cleared of trees and vegetation before authorisation has been given, will anything be done about that? It would be interesting to hear the comments of those NCC councillors who voted for the development at committee?
I objected to this development and thought the ISL block was the most ugliest building devised. It would have been a blight on the landscape. This is therefore welcome in my eyes, if the Duke is still adamant to build, to accommodate the elderly, they should build bungalows.