Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the West Planning Committee meeting. The agenda included a planning application for residential development in Hexham, and a report on Section 106 agreements[^2].

Land North of Red Lion House, Hexham

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for the construction of up to 21 dwellings on land north of Red Lion House on Corbridge Road, Hexham. The applicant is named as Ellis, and the agent as Alexander Franklin.

The planning application, reference 25-01419-OUT Land North of Red Lion Cottage, sought outline permission, with all matters reserved¹. The planning officer's report noted that the site is green field land located within the Green Belt² and open countryside, outside of Hexham's settlement boundary. The report stated that Hexham Town Council objected to the proposal, arguing that it was on green belt land, and unsustainably distant from the town centre compared to brownfield sites³ within the town. Eight objections were reportedly received from local residents, raising concerns about:

• Green belt land and ribbon development[^6]
• Increased traffic and highway safety
• Impact on wildlife
• Lack of access to infrastructure
• Impact on the listed Red Lion House
• Availability of brownfield sites
• Flood risk

The planning officer's report acknowledged that the development would encroach into the countryside and impact on the Green Belt. However, it also noted that the site is adjacent to the built-up area of Hexham, and that existing development extends further east. The report also stated that the development would not impact on the historic setting of Hexham, or cause neighbouring towns to merge.

The report stated that the development was considered to be inappropriate in the Green Belt, but that there were 'very special circumstances' that could outweigh the harm to the Green Belt. These included the provision of 100% affordable housing⁴ in an area with an identified need, and the scheme's compliance with the 'Golden Rules'⁵ set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The report stated that the applicant had agreed to make contributions towards healthcare (£15,246), education (£48,000), highways infrastructure (£30,800) and open space (£29,005.05).

The planning officer's report recommended that the application be granted permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement⁶ securing the contributions and affordable housing, and subject to relevant planning conditions.

Section 106 Agreements Update Report

The committee was scheduled to review the S106 Agreements Update Report, a monthly report providing information on the monitoring and collection of Section 106 contributions in Northumberland. The report listed new agreements completed in September and October 2025, including agreements relating to:

• Land North of Aldi, Cowpen Road, Blyth
• Land south of Greensfield Farm, Weavers Way, Alnwick
• Land at the Orchard, Lancaster Park, Cramlington
• Land at Alnwick Squash Club, 33 Bondgate Without, Alnwick
• Land Southeast of Mooredge House, Longhorsely
• The Nightfold, Shepherds Hill, Alnmouth
• Plot 5, Land South of Seabank, Chalet Site, Spittal
• 13 East Ord Gardens, East Ord
• Land SW of Chollerton First School
• North of Honeysuckle Cottage, Widdrington
• East Barn, Guyzance Hall, Guyzance
• Chauffeurs Cottage, Guyzance Hall, Guyzance
• Land to East of Felkington, Berwick-Upon-Tweed
• Land at Colwell Wood, Stiddlehill Common, West Woodburn, Hexham
• Land NW Filling Station, Stannington
• Land SW of Hogshead Inn, Hawfinch Drive, Cawledge Business Park, Alnwick
• Land at Seton Hall, Ord Road, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Westgate Labs, Middle Stobswood, Widdrington Station
• 31A Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed
• Organon, Shotton Lane, Cramlington
• Land at Halton Grove, Corbridge
• Berwick Youth and Community Centre, 5 Palace Street East, Berwick

The report also provided details of awards paid, including £23,740 and £13,000 for Hexham Playzone and £250,000 for Felton GP Surgery.