The South East Planning Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to consider a planning application for the conversion of a hot food takeaway to a community centre, and to receive an update on Section 106 agreements. The meeting's agenda also included a report on the determination of planning applications.

Planning Application: Conversion of Hot Food Takeaway to Community Centre

A key item scheduled for discussion was the planning application for the conversion of the premises at 34-34A, Coomassie Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2HD from a Class A5 Hot Food Takeaway to a Class E Day and Community Drop-in Centre. The report pack indicated that the Local Planning Authority was minded to support this proposal, stating it complies with local and national planning policy.

The application sought to repurpose the existing 43m² ground floor commercial unit, which had remained vacant since the cessation of its previous use. The proposal included internal alterations to create flexible meeting and support areas, with external works limited to reinstating brickwork. The proposed operating hours were Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm, Saturday from 8am to 10pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10pm to 6pm. The development was expected to create one full-time and two part-time jobs.

The report pack noted that 24 objections had been received from members of the public, along with a petition of 101 signatures and an objection from Blyth Town Council. Concerns raised in these objections included fears of an increase in pressure on local services, negative impacts on neighbourhood character, ongoing crime and antisocial behaviour, and potential harm to community cohesion. Objections also cited parking concerns and the past experience in Blyth where clusters of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have been associated with antisocial behaviour and noise.

The Local Planning Authority acknowledged these points but clarified that a number of the issues raised were not material planning considerations. Crucially, the report stated that the proposal was not for an HMO, but for a day and community drop-in centre falling within Use Class E(c)(ii) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. A condition was proposed to restrict the use of the premises to this class only, to safeguard residential amenity. The report also addressed concerns regarding potential impacts on neighbourhood character and parking, noting that the Highway Development Management Team had been consulted and had provided a detailed assessment.

The report indicated that the principle of the development was supported by Policy STP 1 of the Northumberland Local Plan 2016-2036, which directs development towards existing settlements and encourages a diverse mix of land uses. Policy STP 5, relating to health and wellbeing, was also cited as support, as the proposed centre aims to meet local needs for support, rehabilitation, and social participation. The repurposing of a vacant building was seen as a sustainable form of development, aligning with Policy HOU 1's emphasis on resource conservation.

The report recommended that the application be granted planning permission, subject to several conditions. These included:

• The development being begun within three years.
• The development being carried out in accordance with approved plans.
• The premises being used solely as a day and community drop-in centre within Use Class E(c)(ii).
• Restrictions on operating hours, with specific times for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays/Bank Holidays.
• The implementation and retention of cycle parking.

The report also included an informative regarding Biodiversity Net Gain, noting that the application was exempt from this requirement under current regulations.

Section 106 Agreements Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the monitoring and collection of Section 106 contributions, which are financial or in-kind contributions secured through legal agreements to mitigate the impact of new developments. This monthly report detailed new Section 106 agreements and unilateral undertakings completed during February 2026.

The report listed several new agreements, including contributions towards Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) monitoring fees, Coastal Mitigation Service (CMS), Education, Healthcare, Highways, and Open Space. Notable agreements included those for developments at Turvelaw Farm, Wooler, the former Moorside County First School, Woodhorn Road, Newbiggin, and land at Holiday Inn, Fisher Lane, Seaton Burn.

The report also detailed awards paid from Section 106 contributions, including a grant towards playing field improvements for Blanchland Village Hall and funding for the conversion of space at Alnwick Medical Group to create additional clinical capacity.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was also scheduled to consider the general report on the determination of planning applications. This report outlined the procedure for deciding planning applications, reminding members of the principles that should govern their consideration, including having regard to the development plan and material considerations. It also detailed the requirements for conditions and reasons for refusal, ensuring they are justifiable and defensible on appeal. The report emphasised that planning conditions must be necessary, directly related to the development, and fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development.

The report also provided guidance on the procedure at planning committee meetings, including the welcome, recording of attendance, minutes, and disclosure of interests. It detailed the process for presenting applications, public speaking, committee members' questions, debate, and voting.