The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 7 April 2026 to discuss a range of significant proposals, including plans for the Blyth Relief Road, the regeneration of Ashington town centre, and the development of the Energy Central Institute. The meeting also covered updates on the New Northumberland Local Plan, new capital project proposals, and the formalisation of Specialist Support Bases in primary schools.

Reducing Inequalities in Health in Northumberland through Employment

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report seeking endorsement of the findings and recommendations from the Institute of Health Equity's report on reducing inequalities in health in Northumberland through employment. The report aimed to summarise the Council's role in supporting these recommendations, working with various partners and residents.

Blyth Relief Road - Authority to make a Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Road Order

A report was presented seeking Cabinet authorisation to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and a Side Roads Order (SRO) for the Blyth Relief Road Scheme. This scheme involves upgrades to the A1061 and the creation of a new local connection at Chase Farm. The CPO would ensure land could be acquired if negotiated settlements were not reached, while the SRO would allow for necessary alterations to the existing highway network and private means of access. The report highlighted the anticipated benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, improved public transport access, enhanced road safety, promotion of walking and cycling, support for economic development, and enabling planned housing and employment growth.

Regenerating Ashington - Project Level Business Cases

The Cabinet was asked to endorse the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Wansbeck Square Gateway project and confirm the funding requirement for the Portland Park Cinema and Restaurants project at Full Business Case (FBC) stage. These projects are key components of the wider £36 million Ashington town centre regeneration programme. The Wansbeck Square Gateway project aims to create an attractive and welcoming arrival point for passengers using Ashington Rail Station, including new footpaths, public realm improvements, and the relocation of an electricity sub-station. The Portland Park Cinema and Restaurants project, which has progressed to FBC, requires additional funding to meet the final contract sum.

Energy Central Campus Phase 2: Energy Central Institute

This report sought Cabinet approval for decisions necessary to ensure the delivery of the Energy Central Institute (ECI), a higher-level skills, education, and innovation development focused on the clean energy sector. Since the OBC was approved, project costs had increased, and the report requested approval for a revised delivery model, delegations, and updated funding arrangements. These decisions were deemed necessary to enable Northumberland County Council (NCC) to enter into Grant Funding Agreements, allow early contractor orders, approve capital programme amendments, and formalise the relationship with Energy Central Campus Ltd (ECC Ltd).

Northumberland Growth Fund

A report on the Northumberland Growth Fund was scheduled to follow.

Procurement of Design & Delivery Partners for Extra Care Housing Schemes

The Cabinet was asked to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise for the development of extra care schemes on Council-owned sites across Northumberland. The report also outlined legal considerations for land disposals supporting these developments. The aim is to increase the availability of specialist accommodation for older people and those with care needs, offering an alternative to traditional homecare and residential care. Four Council-owned sites in Ashington, Alnwick, Blyth, and Cramlington were identified for potential development.

Outcomes of informal consultation to formalise Specialist Support Bases at Newsham, Cambois and Northburn Primary Schools and Seaton Sluice First School

This report informed Cabinet of the outcomes of an informal consultation regarding proposals to make permanent the Specialist Support Bases (SSBs) at four primary schools. The report detailed the rationale for establishing these bases, the proposed arrangements for their formalisation as SEND Units, and the feedback received from governing bodies, parents, staff, and other stakeholders. While most responses were supportive, concerns were raised regarding funding models and the capacity of some bases. The recommendation was to proceed with formalising the SSBs at Newsham and Cambois Primary Schools and Seaton Sluice First School, while further work was needed for Northburn Primary School.

New Northumberland Local Plan Update and Next Steps

The Cabinet received an update on the progress towards a new Local Plan for Northumberland. The report highlighted the necessity of preparing a new plan due to reforms in the planning system and changes in national policy, including increased housing targets and revised approaches to Green Belt land. It outlined the proposed timetable for progressing the new Local Plan and the scope of an upcoming Scoping Consultation, which would seek early views on key issues and priorities.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Capital Strategy Group

This report summarised proposed amendments to the capital programme considered by the Capital Strategy Group. These included proposals for a Kitchen Supply Framework, internal refurbishment of homes in East Hartford, the redevelopment of Blyth Civic Centre into an education setting, the Northumberland Playzone Programme, monitor replacement, Woodhorn Phase 1 technical design, Bus Service Improvement Plans for Alnwick Bus Station, and the development of an in-house short breaks provision for residential homes for children.

Urgent Business

This item was listed on the agenda but no details were provided in the available documentation.