The North Planning Committee was scheduled to convene on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to consider a range of planning applications and receive an update on Section 106 agreements. The meeting's agenda included discussions on the change of use and extension of holiday cottages to form a hotel in Bamburgh, and the change of use of a dwellinghouse to a residential institution in Lucker.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications, with the primary focus on two specific proposals:

Change of Use and Extension for Hotel in Bamburgh

An application was scheduled for discussion regarding the change of use and extension of two self-catering holiday cottages and a former hospitality premises at 5-6 Front Street, Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7BW. The proposal aimed to create a single hotel (Use Class C1) with six en-suite guest bedrooms on the first floor and ground-floor dining/bar areas, kitchen, and hotel office. This application was brought before the committee due to objections from local residents and the Parish Council, who raised concerns about parking, potential overdevelopment, and the impact on neighbouring businesses and the village's parking situation. The site is located within the Bamburgh Conservation Area and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The report indicated a recommendation to grant permission, subject to a unilateral undertaking for a coastal mitigation contribution.

Change of Use to Residential Institution in Lucker

The committee was also set to consider an application for the change of use of Chapeltrees Cottage, Lucker, Belford, Northumberland, NE70 7HS, from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a residential institution (Use Class C2). The proposal was to use the property as a home for two children in care, with a maximum of two carers on-site at any time. This application had generated objections from the Parish Council and neighbouring residents, citing concerns about highway safety due to the proximity to the A1, the lack of footpaths, and the potential risks to the children and the wider community due to the rural location and emergency service response times. The Police had also raised concerns regarding accessibility for emergency services, recommending a condition to limit the number of children to two. The report suggested granting permission, with a condition limiting the number of children residing at the premises to two.

S106 Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Section 106 (s106) agreements. This report provides information on the agreement, monitoring, and collection of s106 contributions within the planning process throughout Northumberland during the preceding month. These contributions are financial or in-kind obligations secured through legal agreements with developers to mitigate the impact of new developments. The report details new s106 agreements completed in November and December 2025 and lists awards paid, such as a contribution to a play area for East Bedlington Parish Council.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 23 October 2025¹, and the disclosure of members' interests.