The South East Planning Committee met to discuss planning applications and a Section 106 agreement update. Councillors voted to approve the change of use of a property on Regent Street in Blyth from supported living accommodation to a single dwelling, despite concerns raised by a local councillor. The committee also approved the erection of a single-storey retail unit in Bedlington, following a debate about its potential impact.

Retail Unit in Bedlington Approved

Councillors voted to approve planning permission for the erection of a single-storey retail unit with associated external works on Land North West Of 31 The Oval, The Oval, Bedlington. The application, submitted by Mr Mario Minchella, had received over 20 objections and a petition with over 560 signatures, as well as an objection from East Bedlington Parish Council.

Key concerns raised by objectors included:

• Traffic and noise
• Parking and highway issues
• Design and appearance of the building
• Crime and disorder

Despite these concerns, planning officers recommended approval, stating that the development aligned with the Northumberland Local Plan 2016-2036 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). They argued that the retail unit would support the local centre without undermining nearby town centres, and that the community and economic benefits outweighed the loss of informal amenity space.

To mitigate potential negative impacts, the committee attached several conditions to the approval, including requirements for:

• Submission and approval of precise details for the finish and colour of the external brickwork and roof tiles.
• A detailed landscaping scheme.
• Restricted delivery and collection times.
• A robust acoustic barrier to minimise noise.
• Implementation of a Deliveries and Servicing Management Strategy.
• A Construction Method Statement to address traffic management and community liaison during construction.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), including the installation of at least one bird box.
• A management and maintenance plan for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

Change of Use Approved for Regent Street Property

Councillors voted to grant permission for a change of use from 11 bedroom supported living, care and short-term accommodation (use class C2¹) to single dwellinghouse (use class C3²) at 86 Regent Street, Blyth, despite concerns raised by Councillor Peart, the ward member.

Councillor Peart argued that the application was not set up for a family living in that address and was an HMO under a guise (HMO is a 'House in Multiple Occupation'). He added that the application was not suitable for the area, represented overdevelopment, and was not in keeping with the Energising Blyth scheme³. He also stated that he had spoken with residents who objected to the application.

Dr Anton Lang, the applicant, stated that the application was for a single dwelling house under use class C3, and that the number of bedrooms had been reduced from eleven to nine. He also noted that there had been no objections from statutory consultees.

Planning officers clarified that the number of children in the family was not a material consideration for planning permission, and that if the applicant wished to use the development as an HMO, further planning permission would be required.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to planning conditions and a Unilateral Undertaking⁴ to secure a financial contribution of £615 towards the council's Coastal Mitigation Scheme.

Section 106 Agreements Update Report

The committee noted the S106 Agreements Update Report, which provided information on agreement monitoring and the collection of Section 106 contributions⁵ in the planning process for July and August 2025. The report listed new agreements completed and added to Execom⁶, as well as awards paid out for projects such as the Humshaugh children's playing field Trust, Hexham Priory School, and Blyth Cricket & Rugby.