Duke of Northumberland, whose Alnwick estate appeared in Harry Potter films, sees plans to build cottages on historic farmland rejected by council in victory for furious locals

The Duke of Northumberland's controversial plans for a housing development on historic land have been thrown out in a victory for local residents.Ralph Percy, 69, one of Britain's wealthiest aristocrats, had initially made plans to build three properties on the outskirts of Alnwick, a charming market town with a population of just under 8,500, through his company Northumberland Estates.However, locals fiercely opposed the proposed three-bedroom stone and slate cottages, arguing the project would harm a historic former farmstead and damage rural land within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).Opponents also warned about threats to wildlife, heightened flooding risks, and construction disruptions like noise, pollution, and increased traffic.Responding to these concerns, the Northumberland County Council's planning committee rejected the scheme near Greensfield Farm last week.They further ruled that the development fell outside the established settlement boundary and would negatively impact the local landscape.The Duke's sprawling Alnwick estate, now the second-largest privately inhabited castle after Windsor, marks the spot where Daniel Radcliffe and his fellow Hogwarts pupils had their first flying lesson in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.It has also been used as the backdrop for Blackadder, Robin Hood, Elizabeth, Mary Queen Of Scots, Transformers and Downton Abbey. Ralph Percy, 69, one of Britain's wealthiest aristocrats, had initially made plans to build three properties on the outskirts of Alnwick, a charming market town with a population of just under 8,500, through his company Northumberland Estates. Pictured, The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland As a close friend of King Charles with a net worth of around £509 million, the Duke's extensive commercial ventures are overseen by Northumberland Estates. One resident who strongly opposed the plans, Bradley Martin Greensfield, said: 'I object strongly on what could be just the tip of the iceberg looking to generate a precedent for further development of the land beyond the proposed properties which currently and historically has been a paddock or agricultural land.'Flooding over the last few years has caused significant runoff and damage to 200-year-old dry stone walls which had to be protected by tonnes of stones and gravel deposited to slow down the deluge prior to building on the old cow sheds.'Further property expansion may take away the beauty of the historic Greensfield Farmsteading and diminish its visual appeal.'Another local, Sarah Quinlan, added: 'The loss of this open green space would negatively impact the wellbeing and enjoyment of many local residents.'I also have concerns regarding the likely disruption caused by construction. Previous nearby developments have resulted in prolonged periods of drilling, excavation noise, vibration, and dust.'As nearby residents who have only recently established family life in what is currently a peaceful area, we are extremely concerned about the impact prolonged construction activity would have on our home environment and quality of life. In addition, I have personally observed curlews nesting within this greenbelt area.' Sarah further expressed her concerns surrounding construction noise and 'human disturbance' in the area, which she stressed would destroy nesting areas for the threatened curlew and harm local wildlife. King Charles on a previous visit to The Alnwick Garden, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of NorthumberlandShe believes the application does not properly address the negative impacts on the local area, wildlife habitats, public access, road safely or construction disruption. Jamie Kavanagh commented: 'My objections are grounded in material planning considerations covering cumulative residential amenity impact, highway access, geological constraints, green infrastructure and the diversion of a public right of way.'Residents in this area have experienced significant and sustained disturbance from the neighbouring Steadings development for over two years and the Fairways development more recently.'That disturbance has included construction noise, heavy vehicle movements, dust and general disruption to daily life.'I would ask that the committee weigh not just the standalone impact of this proposal, but the total burden placed on existing residents over an extended and continuous construction period.'Louise Thomas said: 'This is an amazing location, this small field is a wonderful location for the thousands of insects and butterflies that make it their home.'I'm always amazed at all the caterpillars and insects that we see as we journey this short path which is the gateway to further walks towards the Greenway.'The area is alive with small birds, warblers, thrushes, goldfinches, house sparrows and linnets with skylarks overhead.'Many of the small trees have been lost from this area, the orchard from the farm was dug up, which has been a great loss to the living variety within this ecosystem. Detail of the proposed development from the Northumberland County Council planning document. Pictured, the house design'This is an amazing field with stunning views along the footpath which is a joy for all who use it. Why ruin this small area which is a haven for biodiversity in the local area for three houses.'Council planners initially recommended approving the project, but concerns arose because it sat outside Alnwick's current neighbourhood plan boundaries. Committee chairman Councillor Martin Swinbank proposed rejecting the scheme, arguing it would damage the 'historic' landscape and nearby farmsteads. The committee ultimately voted four to one against the proposal. Northumberland Estates and Northumberland County Council were approached for comment.