Parking boost for Northumberland town as car park providing 85 extra spaces approved

The scheme would see the Turner Street car park in Amble, close to the town’s marina, expanded from 49 spaces to 134 spaces.

It is planned to extend the existing car park into adjacent scrubland and demolish an abandoned bungalow.

The application by Northumberland County Council, which seeks to cater for increased visitor numbers and shoppers, was approved by the planning department under delegated powers.

Planning officer Jon Sharp reported: ‘The proposal does not give rise to any significant concerns in respect of scale, design or visual impact.

‘The removal of the bungalow and area of scrub land that, together with the upgrading of the existing car parking, would lead to an overall improvement in the visual appearance of the site.

‘The scale and design of the proposed car park and associated infrastructure are appropriate to the nature and location of the development.’

The long-awaited creation of a larger car park was welcomed by Amble Town Council.

A single objection was made by Amble Marina which, although in favour of seeing a derelict site cleared up and extra car parking provided, raised concerns about the capacity of a culvert, potential pollution and HGV access for boats on lorries and dredging equipment, if the corner of Bridge Street and Turner Street (behind Tesco) is built up.

Mr Sharp reports: ‘Issues relating to access through the northern boundary of the site have been addressed through the submission of a revised site plan.’

He added: ‘Issues raised by the marina in relation to the condition of the culverted ‘Gut’ are noted, however it is understood that, based on preliminary flood modelling, the pipe has capacity to accept drainage from the car park.’

The scheme also includes seven disabled parking bays and six electric vehicle charging bays.

The site was formerly the location of Coquet Hall and Cinema which was demolished some time before the year 2000. The neighbouring scrubland dates from the mid-2000s when a service garage and forecourt, Breeze Garage, was demolished.

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