By DAVID COULTER david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk

Published at 09:42, Friday, 12 March 2010

ALTHOUGH planning permission has been refused for a state-of-the-art holiday village in Langley, the developers are to showcase plans to the public.

Developer David Knowles, part of David Robert Ltd, has appealed against the refusal, and is confident planners will make a U-turn.

The company will hold a public exhibition of the proposals later this month in a bid to win around objectors.

The proposal would transform the derelict Langley Brickworks into a network of self-catering holiday units, complete with swimming pool, shops, sports facilities and bar.

However, the scheme has been refused by planners on two occasions, and provoked a 94-name petition with its latest submission.

Personal assistant for David Robert Ltd, and daughter of Mr Knowles, Claire Knowles Morris said that the public exhibition would give sceptics the opportunity to see the benefits that the project would bring to the small village.

All parties involved with the project will be present at the exhibition, with a selection of materials planned for the low carbon centre.

She continued to say that some of the objections raised by planners had since been removed, and she expected the scheme to be given approval.

Mrs Knowles Morris said: “We have gone to the appeal stage because we feel, as the project stands, it should go ahead and no amendments should be made.

“The public exhibition will show what it will mean to Langley, what it will bring in terms of benefits, and it will allow us to connect with the local community. If they have any concerns they could voice those to us.

“In order to run the facility, we will need several people to staff it and employment is a big thing, especially in a rural area.

“This project is going to attract people to the local area and will encourage visitors to stay longer.”

Objectors, however, are still not convinced about the proposals.

Chief objector Robin Erskine, of Top Hill Cottage, said that it was too late to interact with the public.

He said that the project would not fit in with the tranquil area, and would be a blot on the picturesque landscape.

He also pointed out that the holiday accommodation was intended for 90 people, when there were only 26 houses in Langley village.

He said: “The purpose of the exhibition is to try to win round the people of the village with whom he (David Knowles) has had no communication with at all before this.

“They are trying to drum up support so they can say they have consulted with the people.

“I suppose, from that point of view, every little helps to what they are trying to achieve.

“Langley is completely quiet and that is what people love about living here, but this proposal will mean that the population will double during the summer months.

“Overnight, the place will be radically altered, which is not what people want.”

The public exhibition will be held in Langley Village Hall on Sunday, March 21, from 2pm until 5pm.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk