Rehabilitation centre plan will not be going ahead

The idea was for clients to stay for between six and 12 weeks and take part in horticultural and limited farming activities as part of their treatment.

The facility was aimed at people with alcohol dependency, substance misusers and those with associated mental health issues - but planning permission was refused by the former Tynedale District Council in January.

Now that decision has been upheld by planning inspector Anthony Lyman, who has dismissed an appeal by the owner of Elishaw Farm, Alan Brown.

Tyneside Cyrenians withdrew as joint appellants just before the appeal hearing, citing funding issues, leaving Mr Brown to proceed on his own.

In his appeal judgement Mr Lyman said that while Elishaw Farm was certainly isolated, he was not convinced it would provide a tranquil or sustainable haven for those requiring rehabilitation.

This was because of its proximity to two busy main roads and the Army's training ranges at Otterburn, which generated traffic and noise from gun training. He said the farm's isolation and lack of public transport links would make the development contrary to local planning policies.

Mr Lyman said he also took into account local residents' fears about crime and anti-social behaviour.

In January Tynedale Council officers recommended approval for the scheme, but councillors rejected it following objections from local residents and Rochester Parish Council.