The West Planning Committee of Northumberland Council is scheduled to consider a planning application for a new two-storey house with undercroft parking in Riding Mill. The committee will also receive an update on Section 106 agreements.

New Build House in Riding Mill

The committee is scheduled to consider a planning application for a new two-storey house with undercroft parking at Land North of Old Tavern House, Riding Mill, Northumberland, NE44 6DX. The report pack indicates that the application, reference 25/03837/FUL, was previously considered by the committee on 14 April 2026 and deferred for a site visit.

The proposed development involves a dwelling with a prominent roadside position. The report pack details that the site is adjacent to a Grade II listed road bridge and raises concerns regarding highway safety, design, and the provision of adequate amenity space for future occupiers. The Highway Development Management team has raised fundamental concern regarding the site's access and manoeuvring space, stating that Concerns so significant that no reasonable action is likely to address the concern. The report also notes that the proposed design, particularly the steepness of the roof pitch, has been a point of contention with the Built Heritage and Design officer.

Several stakeholders have provided input. Elizabeth Bone, a neighbour, raised objections concerning the site's safety for development, potential ground instability, and the proposed access onto the A695. Conversely, Councillor Christine Howe, speaking for Broomhaugh and Riding Parish Council, highlighted that the site is currently a derelict eyesore and that the proposed design is a clever solution that the Parish Council wholeheartedly supports. Stephen Miller, the architect, argued that the proposal is for a modest self-build home and that the design is based on traditional local vernacular principles.

The report pack indicates that the officer's recommendation is to refuse planning permission for three main reasons: the design, scale, and proportions of the dwelling in its prominent location; the insufficient amenity space for future users; and significant highway safety concerns.

Section 106 Update Report

The committee is also scheduled to receive an update on Section 106 agreements. This is a regular report providing information on the monitoring and collection of Section 106 contributions, which are legal agreements between a developer and the local authority that allow the council to secure planning obligations¹ to mitigate the impact of new developments. This particular report will cover agreements monitored and collected throughout Northumberland during March 2026.