New cafe to open in Morpeth's Carlisle Park

The bid to change the use of the bowling pavilion, at the tennis courts, was unanimously approved at a meeting of Castle Morpeth Local Area Council.

The proposals include minor alterations, the creation of a new terrace at the front, a small rear extension, and a portable office/store at the back.

The application had only one objection, but had to be decided by committee as the applicant is Morpeth Town Council and the county council owns the land.

The development will result in the loss of one set of tennis courts, but there is another pair nearby, so the planning officer’s report states it ‘would not result in the total loss of an existing facility with the park, rather it would make provision for a further facility’.

The report adds: ‘Overall, the proposed change of use and resultant alterations/extensions to the building will remain part of the park and will in fact increase the facilities within, thereby increasing its tourism attraction.’

Coun John Beynon said: “It’s a lovely building and it’s under-utilised. What the town council had done so far with Carlisle Park is wonderful and brings families into the town.”

Members also approved a 1.8-metre-high, green mesh fence around the perimeter of the Kyloe House site.

The application was not controversial, but had to be decided by councillors as the national secure children’s home, situated in Netherton Park, Stannington, belongs to the county council.