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Morpeth residents concerned over development plans

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Morpeth residents are throwing everything they have at a fight to stop the development of a housing complex in the historic town.

Local developer Hilton Grugeon is behind plans for 130 dwellings as part of an affordable housing development called ‘Morpeth Mews.’

The Morpeth Resident Action Group says the plans don’t comply with the heritage nature of the town, and have launched letter box drops and posted signs out the front of their homes in protest.

“The concern most residents have is that Morpeth’s footprint hasn’t changed since 1840 and this will significantly change it,” Morpeth Resident Action Group founder Sarah-Jane Dunford said.

“All the residents are up in arms. If they’re going to put something there, make it suitable for the town.”

In the last week, 250 people have joined the cause, ringing and writing to councillors, while more than 7,000 flyers have been distributed so far.

“People have been saying the applicant knows what he’s doing and we don’t have a hope,” Ms Dunford said.

“We need to try. People come to Morpeth because of what it is like and this does not fit with what Morpeth is like.”

Mr Grugeon responded to the concerns, stating no one would be able to see the complex due to a hedge surrounding the property.

“Nobody in Morpeth, unless they’re flying a drone, would see the finished village because hedging would be as high as the roof line and the windbreak down the western side, which you can see currently from Morpeth Road,” he said.

Mr Grugeon also believes Morpeth needs to move with the times.

“The heritage listing does not preclude more people being able to live there, it does not preclude people from seeing change,” he said.

“We, as a community, need affordable housing. Is Morpeth a lovely place for older folk to live? It’s affordable and in a lovely spot.”

Mr Grugeon said he was frustrated at some inaccuracies circulating online.

“Of course, we never let the facts get in the way of a good protest movement and it’s amusing some of the inaccuracies that get bandied around,” he said.

“People put things on social media saying I’m associated with the development near Thornton railway station, and I’ve never had anything to do with it in my life.”

Mr Grugeon remains confident the development will go ahead.

“We’re currently building a retirement village not far from there at Berry Park,” he said.

“It had similar opposition and it still didn’t stop it.”

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