Halton Lea Farm has a Grade II listed farmhouse, the eastern end of which probably represents a large bastle.

[3] The area has featured in the national news on account of plans to develop open cast coal mining adjacent to the village.

[5] In May 2012 the UK government Planning Inspector, Clive Sproule, held an inquiry into this proposal, after the County Council had rejected applications to develop the site.

The appeal by HM Project Developments Ltd against the decision of the Northumberland County Council was allowed provided a schedule of conditions could be met.

Hartleyburn Parish Council's challenge to the Inspector's decision was dismissed by Judge Brehens sitting in the High Court in Leeds.