The North Planning Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to consider a range of planning applications and receive an update on Section 106 agreements. Key among the discussions was a proposed change of use for land in Warkworth to a dog walking field, including a sensory garden and parking area.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider planning applications, with a focus on one specific proposal:

Change of Use to Dog Walking Field in Warkworth

An application was scheduled for discussion regarding a change of use of land from agriculture to a dog walking field, located to the north of Watershaugh Road and west of the U3038 in Warkworth, Morpeth, Northumberland. The proposal, application number 25/00958/FUL, included plans for a secure field enclosed by a 6-foot fence, a car park for up to six vehicles, a shelter for adverse weather, waste disposal bins, and complimentary dog waste bags. A notable feature of the plan was the inclusion of a sensory garden designed for children with autism, incorporating timber structures, chimes, and mirrors.

The report indicated that the application had been called in for committee determination due to a number of objections and an objection from Warkworth Parish Council. Objections from neighbours and the parish council raised concerns about highway safety and local traffic, visual impact, loss of agricultural land, the necessity of the facility, potential loss of ecology, and the possibility of future development for caravan sites or housing. There were also concerns about conflict with the nearby Warkworth Hermitage, a Grade I listed building, and the potential for conflict between dog walkers and users of the sensory garden. Conversely, comments in support highlighted the inclusive play area for autistic children, a safe environment for dog owners, and the potential benefit to the local school.

The report recommended that the application be granted permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement for payment towards Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring. The principle of the development was considered acceptable under policies relating to rural employment, diversification, and tourism. The scale, design, and visual impact were deemed acceptable, as were the impacts on amenity and highways, with proposed conditions and informatives. The ecology officer initially objected due to insufficient information on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), but later raised no objection subject to conditions, a Section 106 agreement for BNG monitoring, and an informative. The application was subject to a statutory biodiversity gain planning condition, requiring a net gain of at least 10%.

S106 Update Report

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on Section 106 contributions. This report, covering agreements monitored and collected during January 2026, provided information on new Section 106 agreements and unilateral undertakings completed during that month. These agreements are legal obligations entered into by developers to mitigate the impact of their developments, often through financial contributions towards local infrastructure or facilities. The report listed several new agreements completed, including those for sites at Berwick Hill, West Sleekburn, the former power station site at Cambois, and various other locations across Northumberland.

The next meeting of the North Planning Committee was scheduled for Thursday, 23 April 2026.