The Strategic Planning Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to consider several significant planning applications, including a large residential development in Seahouses, an expansion of holiday accommodation at Percy Wood Golf Club, and the construction of the Blyth Relief Road. The committee was also set to receive an update on Section 106 agreements.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider three major planning applications:

25/02194/FUL: Residential Development in Seahouses

This application concerned the proposed erection of 108 dwellings at Land North and East Of Seafield Sports Park, Broad Road, Seahouses. The plans included access, landscaping, and associated infrastructure. The development was intended to provide a mix of 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes, with a revised housing mix to better reflect local needs. The proposal also included provisions for affordable housing, with 19 units planned, and contributions towards coastal mitigation, education, healthcare, and open space. Concerns were raised by the Parish Council and local residents regarding the scale of the development, its impact on local services, and its design in relation to the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

25/04076/FUL: Expansion of Percy Wood Golf Club and Country Retreat

This application sought permission for the reconfiguration of the existing golf course at Land South West Of Chalets, Percy Wood Golf Club And Country Retreat, Coast View, Swarland. The proposal included changing the use of seven northernmost golf holes to accommodate up to 180 additional static caravans or lodges, and the creation of a new leisure hub building with associated access, parking, and landscaping. The development was intended to support the existing rural business and tourism in the area. Objections were raised by the Parish Council and local residents concerning highway safety, sewerage and drainage systems, ecological and landscape harm, and the scale of the development in relation to the village.

25/01985/CCDEIA: Blyth Relief Road

This application detailed the construction of the Blyth Relief Road, a significant infrastructure project aimed at alleviating congestion and improving transport connections in and around Blyth. The proposal involved approximately 1.3km of new dual carriageway, the upgrade of approximately 3.2km of single carriageway to dual carriageway between the A192 Three Horseshoes Roundabout and the A193 Links Road Roundabout, and the provision of approximately 1km of single carriageway connection between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive. The scheme also included a new railway overbridge, roundabout modifications, repositioning of a sports pitch, and associated works, including landscaping and provision for offsite Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement due to its scale. Concerns were raised by local residents regarding noise, air quality, impact on heritage assets, and the potential for the road to become a rat run.

S106 Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the monitoring and collection of Section 106 contributions throughout Northumberland during February 2026. This report provides details of new legal agreements completed, including contributions towards affordable housing, Biodiversity Net Gain, coastal mitigation, education, healthcare, highways, and open space. It also details awards paid out from Section 106 funds for local projects.