Alison Elsdon

The Cabinet of Northumberland Council approved expenditure for several capital projects on 07/04/2026. These included the replacement of kitchens in council homes, internal refurbishment of homes in East Hartford, and the redevelopment of Blyth Civic Centre. The Cabinet also approved expenditure for the Northumberland Playzone Programme, monitor replacement, Woodhorn Phase 1 design, bus service improvements, and short breaks provision for children.

The Cabinet of Northumberland Council decided on 07/04/2026 to approve the Outline Business Case for the Wansbeck Square Gateway project and delegate authority for Full Business Case approval to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration. They also approved a total budget of £7,017,306 for the project and an additional allocation of £745,747 for the Portland Park Cinema and Restaurants project. The Cabinet agreed to amend the Capital Programme to create specific project budgets for both projects.

Northumberland Cabinet approved the proposed timetable to progress a New Northumberland Local Plan on 07/04/2026. Cabinet noted the purpose of the Local Plan Scoping Consultation and that the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration has delegated authority for Plan Making.

The Cabinet of Northumberland Council decided on 07/04/2026 to approve the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order and a Side Road Order for the Blyth Relief Road Scheme. This authorises the acquisition of land and rights for the scheme, and allows for necessary alterations to the highway network and private means of access. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to take all necessary steps to implement these orders.

The Cabinet of Northumberland Council approved recommendations for the Energy Central Campus Phase 2: Energy Central Institute on 07/04/2026. The Cabinet agreed to amend delegation arrangements, delegate authority for facility agreements and grant funding agreements, and approve updates to the capital programme. This included delegating authority to enter into an agreement for lease and long lease arrangements with ECC Ltd for the land/building at nil consideration.