Former school likely to become housing

In April, we reported that Gosforth-based Northern Coastal Developments Limited wants to demolish the derelict St Cuthbert’s RC First School, on Links Road, which closed in 2014, and replace it with seven three-bedroom bungalows and seven three-bedroom town houses.

In late July, it was amended and, if approved at this afternoon’s meeting of the county council’s North Northumberland Local Area Council, would now feature six bungalows.

Amble Town Council and 23 residents have objected, but subject to the resolution of some highways issues and the signing of a section 106 legal agreement, planning officers believe the scheme should be supported.

The agreement would secure a financial contribution to off-site affordable housing and £600 per unit for the management and coastal wardening of the Amble Links Local Nature Reserve.

A design and access statement submitted with Northern Coastal Developments’ application says: ‘The bungalows provide accommodation much needed for people of retirement age while the town houses provide much-needed accommodation for families within the area.’