Green light for new hotel and restaurant in Amble

Arch, the regeneration company wholly owned by the county council, is behind the bid, which represents an investment of up to £4million that will create nearly 100 jobs.

The application, which was unanimously approved by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee on Tuesday, is for a 30-bedroom hotel on an undeveloped site within Coquet Enterprise Park, off the A1068.

There would be a mix of family and twin rooms, as well as a 150-seater restaurant and bar area with further seating outside and car parking and cycle spaces.

It is expected to create up to 60 jobs during the construction phase and the equivalent of 35 full-time jobs once it opens.

The scheme had sparked no objections from residents and led to only one question from councillors at the committee meeting.

Coun Paul Kelly asked about the smell from the nearby sewage facility, but was told that the council’s public protection team was satisfied by the odour assessment submitted by the applicant.

Moving approval, Coun Gordon Castle said: “I’m happy to see this. Alnwick could do with an extra hotel too, so I look forward to this working out.”

Coun Trevor Thorne added: “It’s something lacking in Amble – good, modern hotel accommodation. There’s been a lot of development around the marina area and I think this will add to that.”

Coun Kelly described it as ‘very welcome’, saying: “Many years ago, I called for a hotel in every market town in Northumberland that could accommodate a coach-load of tourists.”

The proposed development is part of a wider plan to enhance Coquet Enterprise Park and build on the momentum of recent economic development at the harbour.

It is hoped that the hotel will contribute to the town’s tourism offer while Arch also says that the hotel will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration of the enterprise park.

Amble Town Council ‘welcomed the additional employment opportunities and town amenities for residents and visitors’, although they did mention several minor concerns.