Concerns over shipping container bar/cafe plans for Bamburgh

BOX Restaurant Group has applied for permission to put three shipping containers with pergola, pods and a viewing platform within the village's walled garden.

The Newcastle-based company, which specialises in creating social spaces from shipping containers and other recycled materials, is looking to expand into areas where there is a demand.

Its plans also include outside seating areas and landscaping works to the walled garden to bring it back to its former glory.

A report submitted on the applicant’s behalf states: “It is considered that the proposals would not have a negative impact upon the Bamburgh Conservation Area.

“From the public highway the containers, pergola, pods and viewing platform would largely not be seen.

“The containers are about the same height as the boundary wall and therefore would not be visible from many views towards the site.

“It is expected that the number of jobs created from the enterprise would be six full-time, plus 10 part-time positions – 16 jobs in total initially.

“Jobs would also be created and maintained in the wider local supply change and during busier periods such as the summer.”

However, the retrospective application has attracted 12 letters of objection from local residents and businesses raising concerns about noise, smell and parking issues.

Alex Lorraine, general manager at The Victoria Hotel, said: “The use of industrial containers in a historic and conservation village is totally inappropriate. The steel construction will amplify noise and low level extraction systems potentially cause fast food smells.

“The Victoria Hotel which is directly opposite the site has been successfully developed and maintained at considerable cost over the last 24 years by the Sanderson family and is the largest hotel in the village.

“Many of its bedrooms overlook this site and this development would cause noise, detract from the current views and ambience of Bamburgh village.”

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership is also among the objectors.

Bamburgh Parish Council is to arrange a special planning meeting to discuss the application.

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