The South East Planning Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to consider a planning application for the conversion of a former hot food takeaway into a community centre, and to receive an update on Section 106 agreements.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider planning applications, with the primary focus being the proposed conversion of a hot food takeaway at 34-34A, Coomassie Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2HD, into a day and community drop-in centre. The report indicated that the Local Planning Authority was minded to support this proposal, as it was believed to comply with local and national planning policies.

The application, submitted by Mr. Grant Erskine, sought to repurpose the 43m² ground floor commercial unit, which had been 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 planned operating hours were Monday to Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10 pm to 6 am. The development was expected to create one full-time and two part-time jobs.

The report detailed 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 increased pressure on local services, negative impacts on neighbourhood character, ongoing crime and antisocial behaviour, and potential harm to community cohesion. Objections also highlighted concerns about parking demand in an area where on-street parking is already limited, and past experiences in Blyth suggesting that clusters of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) can be associated with higher levels of antisocial behaviour.

The Local Planning Authority acknowledged these points but noted that many of the issues raised were not material planning considerations. It was clarified 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 to safeguard residential amenity. Concerns regarding potential noise were addressed, with the Council's Public Protection Officer not raising any objections, and Northumbria Police also confirming no objections. A condition to restrict operating hours was also proposed to safeguard the amenity of surrounding residents.

The report also outlined that the Highway Development Management Team had initially raised an objection due to insufficient information, but this was later withdrawn. Highways confirmed that the proposed use was likely to generate fewer vehicular trips than the former hot food takeaway, and the site benefits from good access to sustainable transport options.

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

• 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).
• Specific operating hours for the premises.
• The implementation and retention of cycle parking.

S106 Update

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on Section 106 agreements. This report provided information on new Section 106 agreements and unilateral undertakings completed during February 2026. These agreements relate to obligations secured as part of the planning process, often involving financial contributions towards local infrastructure and services.

The report listed new agreements for various sites across Northumberland, detailing obligations such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) monitoring fees, contributions towards affordable housing, coastal mitigation, education, healthcare, open space, and highways. It also noted awards paid from Section 106 contributions, including a grant towards playing field improvements for Blanchland Village Hall and funding for Alnwick Medical Group's facility conversion.