The South East Planning Committee of Northumberland Council met on Monday 14 September 2026 to consider three planning applications. These included a retrospective application for temporary seasonal use of land for recreation and community activities, a change of use for a former civic centre to an alternative education facility, and a change of use for a dwellinghouse to a children's residential home.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider and decide upon several planning applications, as delegated to it. The report pack indicated that decisions would be made using the powers delegated to the committee.

Land East of Monks Lodge, Mitford

An application was scheduled for discussion regarding retrospective planning permission for the temporary seasonal use of land east of Monks Lodge, Mitford, Northumberland, NE61 2YJ. The proposal included outdoor recreation, wellbeing, and community use, along with a mobile refreshment trailer and associated ancillary works. The applicant, Mr Joe Nugent, sought permission for a temporary period of five years, with operations limited to between 1 April and 31 October each year, and a maximum of 60 operating days per calendar year. The proposal was intended to operate on a walk-in basis, with no customer parking provided on-site. The report recommended that this application be refused permission due to insufficient information provided regarding potential impacts on residential amenity and highway safety.

Civic Centre, Renwick Road, Blyth

The committee was also scheduled to consider a change of use application for the former Blyth Civic Centre, located at Civic Centre, Renwick Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2BX. The proposal sought to change the use from Use Class E(g)i) to Use Class F1 for an alternative education facility. This would involve minor external alterations and landscaping. The facility was intended to provide education for 40 students aged 16 and above, and 4 students with special educational needs, supported by 31 staff. The recommendation was that this application be granted permission.

35 Glebe Mews, The Chesters, Bedlington

A further application for a change of use was scheduled for discussion concerning the property at 35 Glebe Mews, The Chesters, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 6LJ. The proposal was to change the use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a residential institution (Use Class C2) for a children's residential home. The home would accommodate up to three children, with a minimum of two staff on site at all times. No physical alterations to the property were proposed as part of this application. The recommendation was that this application be granted permission.