This meeting of the Tynedale Local Area Planning Committee was scheduled to consider an update on the status of planning appeals, and was also scheduled to make a decision on a planning application for a site on Land West of Station Road in Hexham.

23/04190/FUL - Land West of Station Road, Hexham

The meeting was scheduled to consider a planning application for the construction of 46 retirement living apartments following demolition of the existing buildings on the site. The site was previously occupied by Matthew Charlton Builder’s Merchant.

The applicant, Mr William Bird, requested permission to build a mix of 26 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom units. The application also proposes the retention, conversion and alteration of an existing stone building to be used as a car port.

The HIA advises that: “Development on this site should give attention to the boundaries of the site, which are an important part of the historic layout. The existing [older] structures should be further investigated to understand their significance in association with the timberyard, in particular the stone building to the south-east of the site. Retention of existing [older] buildings on site, especially the stone building and attached boundary wall to south of site, should be considered. Consideration should be given to the west boundary which is currently hidden from long views by the mature trees adjacent to the site, but any change here could reveal the site and so the scale, massing, design and external appearance should be carefully considered to ensure it weaves into the existing townscape and sustains the character of the conservation area”.

The report notes an objection from Hexham Town Council to the scheme, submitted on the basis that the design did not reflect the local vernacular. The amended application proposed a number of changes to the design, scale and materials. The Town Council did not comment on the amended plans.

Historic England initially objected to the application, but withdrew their objection after the applicant revised the plans. The revised plans include a reduction in the height of the central block and the retention of the stone building on Station Road.

A financial contribution of £20,700 was requested from the NHS North East and Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enable a smooth implementation of a planned expansion of surgery capacity.

The report pack notes that the applicant submitted a viability assessment, which concluded that the scheme was not financially viable if it had to make contributions towards affordable housing or other planning obligations. After independent review, the Council concluded that a total contribution of £137,500 could be viably secured. The report recommended that this contribution be prioritised to cover the requested healthcare contribution, with the remaining money used for affordable housing provision.

Appeals update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of planning appeals.