The Duke of Northumberland is facing another “peasants revolt” over plans to build on a much-loved green space.
Ralph Percy’s firm, Northumberland Estates, wants to create an access road through a popular green area known as the Braid in the town of Amble, Northumberland.
The road would serve a planned housing development of almost 100 properties on an adjacent brownfield site, which also faces opposition.
Locals said the Braid had been used for dog walks and community events since the 1970s, adding that the development would damage biodiversity. Natural England has requested more information and “may need to object”.
However, the property group said it had made the plans less intrusive than in a previous application, with the vast majority of the Braid remaining untouched.
The Duke of Northumberland has already faced what has been dubbed a “peasants revolt” over plans to build homes on his Grade I listed Syon Park estate in south-west London. The planning application was turned down by Hounslow Council after opposition from allotment owners, who said they would lose their plots.
Residents objecting to the plans in Amble can see the similarities between the two. “In both instances, the duke is trying to take away the use of land which, for decades, has been integral to the mental health and wellbeing of the local communities,” said resident Jackie Turpin.
