North Northumberland housing bids back for another decision

A total of six applications are due to be determined again by the North Northumberland Local Area Council at its meeting on Thursday (November 22) afternoon, where all are recommended for approval once more.

In each case, the permissions have not been finally signed off due to various issues to iron out, often the completion of a section 106 legal agreement to secure affordable housing and/or financial contributions to support infrastructure.

In the meantime, the Government published its updated and refreshed planning rulebook – the NPPF – in the summer and so the proposals have been reassessed in light of this new advice.

A proposal for 13 new homes on land north of Horsley Place, in Christon Bank, was first given the nod in November last year despite a number of local concerns.

A section 106 agreement would secure two on-site discount market value homes and £17,600 for education.

Meanwhile, a scheme for for 22 new homes on land west of Acklington Village Hall was passed by just one vote when the committee debated it the first time round – in February.

If approved again, it would deliver four on-site affordable homes at no more than 80 per cent market rent in perpetuity, £39,600 for education and an ecological contribution of £600 per dwelling.

Further north, Northumbrian Water’s outline bid for 10 homes – six apartments and four houses – at its former waterworks on Dock Road in Tweedmouth was given the go-ahead in July, despite some of the councillors having several reservations.

In terms of contributions, it would provide a coastal mitigation pot of £6,000 (£600 per property).

At the same meeting – and just as controversial – was Northumberland Estates’ application to build two permanent homes on a small parcel of land which forms part of the wider Beadnell Point development of 40 holiday lets.

This too is subject to a section 106 agreement – to secure the homes as permanent residences, in line with the North Northumberland Coast Neighbourhood Plan, plus £1,200 for coastal mitigation.

Members are also being asked to revisit the decision made in April to grant outline permission to a scheme for 30 homes on land north and west of Hillcrest, in East Ord.

This development, which has the support of the parish council, would deliver 15 per cent affordable housing on-site, £39,600 towards education and £17,400 for healthcare as well as the £600-per-home coastal mitigation contribution (£18,000).

Finally, also at the April meeting, councillors gave the green light to plans for nine new houses and a 14-unit camping/caravan site on land behind the historic Blue Bell Hotel.

Planners conclude this too should continue to be supported, subject to a section 106 agreement for a total coastal contribution of £10,300, made up of £600 per house and £350 per unit of camping/caravan accommodation.

Ben O'Connell, Local Democracy Reporting Service