The West Planning Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to consider planning applications and receive an update on Section 106 agreements. The primary focus of the meeting was the determination of a planning application for a new build house in Riding Mill.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider planning applications, with the main item being the determination of application 25/03837/FUL for a new build two-storey house with undercroft parking at Land North of Old Tavern House, Riding Mill, Northumberland, NE44 6DX. The report pack indicated that the application was recommended for refusal.

The report detailed significant concerns raised by the Highway Development Management team regarding highway safety, citing issues with the proposed access, vehicle manoeuvring space, and visibility splays. It was noted that these concerns were considered fundamental and that no reasonable action is likely to address the concern.

Concerns were also raised by the Built Heritage and Design team regarding the design, scale, and proportions of the proposed dwelling, particularly its steep roof pitch, which was considered out of character with the surrounding area and potentially harmful to the setting of the adjacent Grade II listed road bridge. The report also highlighted that the proposed development was considered an overdevelopment of the constrained site, with insufficient amenity space for future occupiers.

Despite these concerns, the report noted that Broomhaugh and Riding Parish Council wholeheartedly supported the application, viewing it as a clever solution to an eyesore site and a positive contribution to the village. The Northumberland and Newcastle Society also expressed support for the proposal.

The report also outlined the planning history of the site, including previous applications for a commercial unit and domestic dwellings, some of which were withdrawn or refused. Consultee responses included objections from Highways, while the Parish Council and the Northumberland and Newcastle Society expressed support. Other consultees, such as Pollution Control, County Ecologist, Forestry Commission, and Network Rail, raised no objections subject to conditions.

S106 Update Report

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update report on Section 106 agreements. This report was intended to provide members with information regarding the monitoring and collection of Section 106 contributions within the planning process throughout Northumberland during the previous month. The report was for members' information, and the recommendation was to note its contents.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at Conference Room - Dene Park House, Corbridge Road, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1HN. The attendees included Councillors S Fairless-Aitken (Chair), N Oliver (Vice-Chair), A Azocar-Nevin, T Cessford, A Dale, L Darwin, R Dodd, M Horncastle, R Mathieson, and L O'Donnell, along with council officers.