Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Strategic Planning Committee meeting. The meeting was scheduled to consider a planning application for the erection of nine affordable homes in North Sunderland, as well as other planning applications. Councillors were also expected to declare any disclosable interests.

Planning Application: Land South West Of St Cuthbert Close, Main Street, North Sunderland

The committee was scheduled to discuss planning application 25/00441/FUL for the erection of nine affordable homes on land south west of St Cuthbert Close in North Sunderland. The application was submitted by Mrs S Carr, Mr W Dunn, and Bernicia Homes, with Miss Hannah Wafer acting as the agent.

The proposed development, referred to as 'Phase 2', would sit to the north and east of nine dwellings already permitted under planning application 22/04503/FUL. The dwellings would comprise a terrace of three houses and three sets of semi-detached houses. Land to the east of the site was proposed to be retained as open amenity space and a SuDS basin¹. The site is located on the south western edge of North Sunderland and is comprised of a parcel of agricultural land. It is near existing residential development, open fields, and Main Street. Access to the site would be via an existing field access onto the C68 road.

The report pack noted several site constraints, including that the site is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Coal Authority High Risk Area, a Coastal Mitigation Zone, a Heritage Coast, a Neighbourhood Planning Area, and a SSSI Impact Risk Zone². The planning history of the site includes:

• Outline permission for up to 20 dwellings (100% affordable) granted in 2018 (reference 17/01819/OUT).
• A refused full application for 20 affordable homes in 2022 (reference 22/00801/FUL).
• A permitted application for nine affordable homes in 2022 (reference 22/04503/FUL).

The report pack stated that Northumberland Coast AONB were supportive of the proposal, considering the balance between its impact on the designated landscape and the social benefit an additional nine affordable homes will bring to Seahouses and North Sunderland .

North Sunderland and Seahouses Parish Council were noted to be supportive of any development that proposes to provide social housing, but concerns remained over the impact on infrastructure.

The report pack noted that eight objections, seven supporting comments and one neutral comment had been received. Objectors raised concerns regarding the location not being in the village, distance to shops and services, highway safety, the properties not being in character with the surrounding area, and the impact on the AONB. Supporters stated that the urgent need for affordable housing outweighed policy conflicts, and that affordable accommodation would help businesses, schools and both the social structure of the villages and the economy.

The report pack stated that the Northumberland and Newcastle Society supported the principle of the proposed development, subject to technical considerations.

The report pack stated that the main considerations in assessing this proposal were:

• Principle of Development
• Housing Need
• Impact on Character of Area
• Design
• Amenity
• Highways
• Impact on AONB
• Archaeology
• Ecology
• Public Protection
• Mineral Safeguarding
• Water Management
• Sustainable Construction
• Broadband Connections
• Agricultural Land Classification
• Planning Obligations
• Other Matters
• Procedural Matters

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement³ securing affordable housing, primary occupancy, and a financial contribution of £5,535 towards the council's Coastal Mitigation Service.

Determination of Planning Applications

The Strategic Planning Committee was asked to decide on the planning applications attached to the report pack. The report pack stated that printed letters of objection/support are available on the council's website. The report pack included general principles for councillors to take into account when considering planning applications, including that applications should be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The report pack stated that recommendations in favour of giving permission must be accompanied by suitable conditions and a justification for giving permission, and that refusals of permission must be supported by clear planning reasons both of which are defensible on appeal.

Disclosure of Members' Interests

Councillors were asked to declare any interests they have in the matters to be discussed at the meeting. This includes disclosable pecuniary interests, other registrable interests, and non-registrable interests, as defined in the council's code of conduct.