The Strategic Planning Committee of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 7 January 2025 to determine several key planning applications. The committee granted permission for an expansion to South Meadows Caravan Park in Belford, approved the construction of a new primary school building in Stakeford, and granted permission for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) associated with the Low Horton Solar Farm near Cramlington. The committee also received updates on planning appeals and Section 106 agreements.

South Meadows Caravan Park Expansion Approved

The committee granted permission for the development of up to 199 static caravan pitches, parking, reconfiguration of existing pitches, and associated infrastructure at South Meadows Caravan Park, South Road, Belford. This decision was made subject to a developer contribution of £68,780 towards the coastal mitigation service and a range of planning conditions. The proposal was considered to be in accordance with local and national planning policies regarding tourism and rural development, with conditions to manage landscape impact, amenity, highway safety, ecology, water management, and archaeology.

New Ringway Primary School Building Approved

Permission was granted, subject to referral to the Secretary of State, for the construction of a new two-storey primary school building with associated outdoor play facilities, landscaping, and access, along with the demolition of the existing Ringway Primary School buildings in Stakeford. The committee noted the objection from Sport England regarding the loss of playing field space but concluded that the benefits of the new, modern educational facility outweighed this concern. Conditions were imposed to ensure the protection of biodiversity, manage construction impacts, and ensure appropriate highway and drainage measures.

Battery Energy Storage System Approved

The committee granted permission for the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure at Land south of Laverock Hall Roundabout, A192 Laverock Hall, Cramlington. This BESS is linked to the previously approved Low Horton Solar Farm. The decision acknowledged that the development was inappropriate development within the Green Belt, but concluded that very special circumstances existed due to the significant environmental benefits of renewable energy generation and grid stability. Conditions were imposed to manage the temporary nature of the development, ensure proper decommissioning and restoration, and address landscape, ecological, and transport considerations.

Appeals Update and S106 Agreements Noted

The committee received and noted an update on the progress of planning appeals across Northumberland. Additionally, a report detailing the agreement, monitoring, and collection of Section 106 contributions for the period of September to November 2024 was also noted.