Amble holiday development back before councillors for decision

The scheme has returned because Northumberland County Council has taken the decision that where planning applications have been approved but the permissions not finally signed off, they should be reassessed in light of the Government’s updated planning rulebook (the NPPF), published in July.

However, as before, the application is recommended for approval when it goes in front of the North Northumberland Local Area Council on Thursday (December 20).

The nine-bedroom bunkhouse and two flats, on the former Coquet Shorebase Trust site, near Coble Quay and Amble Marina, were unanimously approved at the June meeting.

Both of Amble’s county councillors, Terry Clark and Jeff Watson, felt the development would be a welcome addition for the seaside town, while Coun Trevor Thorne said: “I love this, I think it’s going to be great for Amble. It makes Amble a cool and edgy place. Alnwick should look out.”

The building would feature four-storey and three-storey elements – the neighbouring block of flats is five storeys – with four family rooms on the ground floor and two, three-bedroom duplex apartments set across the second and third floors. There would be further ancillary space to the east wing with bedroom accommodation above.

The bunkhouse would be accessed from Coquet Street, with parking being one of the aspects which had previously concerned the town council.

The council’s highways department had originally called for 12 spaces, but the applicant subsequently amended the proposal to provide 11 spaces – one per room plus two staff spaces – which was felt to be acceptable.

Ben O'Connell, Local Democracy Reporting Service