Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Strategic Planning Committee meeting. The agenda included planning applications for a renewable energy scheme, a service station with holiday lodges, and alterations to a theatre and cinema, as well as the minutes from a previous meeting. The committee was scheduled to review and make decisions on several planning applications, with a focus on balancing development benefits against potential environmental and community impacts.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider the following planning applications:

Land At Whittonstall, Consett - 23/01717/FUL

This application concerned the proposed construction and operation of a renewable energy scheme, including ground-mounted photovoltaics, associated battery storage, and infrastructure on land at Whittonstall. The report pack noted that a prior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening concluded that the proposal was not likely to have significant environmental effects. The committee had previously deferred this application to allow for a site visit.

Land North West Of Filling Station, Station Road End, Stannington - 23/04664/FUL

This application sought full planning permission for a service station and rest area including a cafe, farm shop, holiday lodges, car parking, EV charging points, a PV array, and a playground on land north west of the filling station, Station Road End, Stannington.

The Maltings Theatre And Cinema, Eastern Lane, Berwick-Upon-Tweed - 25/00792/CCD

This application proposed part demolition, alterations, and extensions to The Maltings Theatre And Cinema.

Other Matters

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The minutes of the Strategic Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday 15 April 2025 were included in the report pack. The committee was asked to agree them as an accurate record.

Disclosures of Interest

The agenda included an item for councillors to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registerable interests related to the items on the agenda. The code of conduct for Northumberland Council requires councillors to declare any interests and to recuse themselves from discussions and votes where appropriate.

Urgent Business

The agenda allowed for consideration of any urgent business that, in the opinion of Councillor Trevor Norman Thorne, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, should be considered due to special circumstances.

Membership

The report pack included a list of the 16 members of the Strategic Planning Committee, including Councillor Trevor Norman Thorne, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Councillor Malcolm Robinson, Vice-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.