"This site is a bit of a mess in parts" - developer of site in Northumberland under fire from residents and councillors

A petition presented to members of Northumberland County Council’s Castle Morpeth Local Area Committee raised a series of concerns about the St Mary’s development, including a large amount of construction waste remaining on the site.

Bellway Homes first received planning permission for 172 homes on the site of the former St Mary’s Hospital in 2007. However, the petition, which has been signed by 311 residents, points out that a number of subsequent matters to vary the scheme have been submitted and approved.

It calls on Bellway and the county council to “landscape and complete” the sustainable wetland area and recreation field at St Mary’s Park “as per the original plans”.

A report on the issue presented to members said the council takes the matters raised “very seriously”.

Speaking at the meeting, the local ward member Coun Lyle Darwin said: “The petitioners are right to raise concerns. I do want to know what officers are going to do regarding this.”

The council’s deputy leader, Coun Richard Wearmouth, added: “This site is a bit of a mess in parts and has been for quite a while. The developer needs to take ownership of it, get a grip and provide residents with what it promised them and the local community.”

The council has admitted that not all conditions attached to the planing applications were met and provided Bellway with a series of deadlines to meet those conditions.

The report states: “Should any of the above timescales not be met, and in view of the significant lack of compliance to date, the council will pursue enforcement action without further delay.”

Responding to the issues, a spokesman for Bellway said: “Bellway is working to address the matters raised at St Mary’s, Stannington. In respect of the finishing of the roads and footpaths on the development, works are due to commence this week.

“We have submitted planning proposals to the local authority for our plans for the playing fields and pavilion and await their decision.

“In respect of the alleged waste materials on site, our technical team has recently visited the site and are currently looking at options to address this and allay the concerns of residents.”