AN eyesore site close to the border between County Durham and Northumberland could be in line for redevelopment after years of standing vacant.

Developer Story Homes has submitted plans for the former Marley Tiles factory near Ebchester. The proposals would see 61 “high quality” homes built on the brownfield site, which is described as “unoccupied, unsightly” and ‘potentially dangerous’ in its “current state”.

The homes will consist of a mix of four and five-bedroom houses, along with areas of landscaping and amenity space including a “village green” space at the centre of the development.

Story Homes’ consultation pack says that the proposed homes will be “very sustainable” featuring EV charge points and heat pumps.

In a statement, Story Homes said: “The scheme has been sensitively designed, taking into consideration the local landscape context, and includes three distinctive character areas set across the three different levels of the site. The development process has involved a public consultation and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, making sure the development will represent locally distinctive Northumberland values.

“The character areas will fit together seamlessly through the inclusion of landscaping and open space areas, with a village green at the heart of the newly created community.”

The proposals were published on Northumberland County Council’s planning portal on December 1. At the time of writing, there have been no objections from members of the public.

The plans will go through a period of consultation with both the public and statutory bodies including the likes of highways and the flood authority. Following this, a report will be prepared with the final decision made by a planning committee made up of county councillors.

It is not the first time plans for housing on the site have come forward since the factory closed more than 20 years ago. In 2019, the county council’s strategic planning committee rejected Bellway Homes’ application for 105 properties on the site.

While the plans were recommended for approval, committee members felt there was “inappropriate development in the green belt”, while the design was felt to be out of keeping with the local area.