The Strategic Planning Committee of Northumberland Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. The meeting's agenda includes the determination of planning applications, with a significant outline planning application for a large-scale employment, retail, and leisure development at West Hartford Business Park being a key item.

Outline Planning Application for West Hartford Business Park

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the outline planning application for land North West Of West Hartford Fire Station, West Hartford Business Park, West Hartford, Cramlington¹. The proposal, application number 25/04509/OUT, seeks permission for a mixed-use development encompassing employment, research, battery storage, and training centre uses (classes B2, B8, E(g), and sui generis). It also includes plans for a petrol station (sui generis), ancillary retail (class E(a)), a coffee shop/drive-thru (class E(b) and sui generis), a gym (class E(d)), and associated ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations (sui generis).

The report pack indicates that the application is being referred to the committee due to its scale and significance. The proposed development aims to create a high-quality, future-focused employment site designed for innovation and adaptability, delivering over one million square feet of industrial floorspace. The applicant's vision includes attracting major occupiers and supporting regional economic growth, with a design that prioritises efficient operation, HGV access, and a central landscaped core. The development is planned in phases, with an estimated build-out period of over eight years, subject to demand.

The report details extensive technical assessments undertaken, including ecological impact assessments, flood risk assessments, and transport assessments. It also outlines the proposed S106 agreement obligations, which include securing biodiversity net gain, off-site bird mitigation, and contributions towards bus service improvements and traffic signal detection equipment for a proposed Pegasus Crossing.

The report highlights that the site is allocated as a Prestige Employment Area within the Northumberland Local Plan², with policies aiming to deliver economic growth and employment land. However, concerns have been raised by consultees, including the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the Council's Built Heritage and Design Officer, regarding potential impacts on ecology, landscape, and the setting of nearby heritage assets. The Landscape Architect has advised that the scale and height of buildings on the northern plots may be disproportionate to the surrounding landscape and the setting of the River Blyth valley. The Built Heritage and Design Officer has concluded that the proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the setting of nearby listed buildings, which must be weighed against the public benefits of the development.

The report also addresses potential impacts on health and wellbeing, with a submitted Health Impact Assessment identifying predominantly positive impacts, including significant employment opportunities and green infrastructure enhancements. However, it also notes potential adverse impacts from traffic, noise, and construction, which are to be managed through planning conditions and mitigation measures. The Highway Authority has raised no objection following revised submissions, confirming that the scheme can achieve safe and suitable access and deliver necessary transport infrastructure, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to the submission of a countersigned Impact Assessment and Conservation Payment Certificate from Natural England and the completion of the S106 agreement. A comprehensive list of conditions is provided, covering aspects such as reserved matters approval, landscaping, materials, archaeological work, and environmental management.

Determination of Planning Applications

The meeting will also involve the determination of other planning applications, as detailed in the report pack³. The committee is expected to decide these applications using the powers delegated to it, with individual recommendations and justifications provided within the associated reports. The process for determining these applications will involve considering the development plan, material considerations, and adhering to established planning principles, including the necessity and proportionality of any planning conditions.