Minutes of Planning Committee 22 April 2026

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL 2026

THOSE ATTENDING:

Cllr H Allsopp (Chairman)

Cllr K Burn

Cllr A Cottrell

Cllr L Watson

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs A Brindley, Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, Mr D Iley FO, Mr R Delap OM

2 members of the public

AGENDA PART 1

PLC01/25      1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr M Jackson, Cllr D FitzGerald, Cllr G Huntley, Cllr J Rowell all prior engagements

PLC02/25      2.         DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(s)

No Declarations

PLC03/25      3.         APPOINTMENT OF A CHAIRMAN FOR 2025/26

                                    Cllr Hilary Allsop was elected as Chairman.

PLC04/25      4.         APPOINTMENT OF A VICE CHAIRMAN FOR 2025/26

Cllr Lynne Watson was elected as Vice Chairman

PLC05/25     5.         PUBLIC QUESTIONS

Members of the public expressed their opposition to the planning application 26/01178/FUL, commenting on encroachment of new buildings and the green spaces barrier that included an underground pipe which would be used by the new data centre; loss of wildlife and building on farming land; the instability of the land including excess water; inadequate infrastructure to support the additional housing most particularly the uncertainty over the current Mowbray school;  suspicion of planning variations that change the plans once planning applications have been agreed, with the example of the Willow Farm roundabout variation.

PLC06/25      6.         MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

It was noted that the minutes of the previous meeting had been presented to the Parish Council and members approved the minutes. The Parish Clerk confirmed that the planning application had been refused.

PLC07/25      7.         REVIEW OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE

Members approved the terms of reference.

PLC08/25          8.     TO CONSIDER AND MAKE COMMENT ON SIGNIFICANT

PLANNING APPLICATIONS.

Parish Councils do not have the power grant or refuse planning permission but may submit comments to the planning authority (Northumberland County Council).  Under consideration is planning application 26/01178/FUL Land West of Whinney hill Cottage Farm Ford Terrace Guide Post Northumberland.

Members were grateful for the comments from the members of the public which increased their knowledge of the planning application to inform their comments to the planning authority.

  1. Impact on Residents – the impact is considerable for residents on the perimeter of the development as to date they have enjoyed the open aspects. It was accepted that certain accommodation has been made by the developer to mitigate the impact by inserting a green space behind Sherbourne Park and changing the plan to have bungalows rather than two storey houses adjacent to the existing housing.
  2. Local infrastructure – Additional housing would impact on road usage and access to GP services, but members had concern that education places were under stress due to the uncertain future of Mowbray Primary School which also provides SEND places.
  3. Ground Conditions – Members with personal experience of the land recognised that it was challenging and Members had concerns regarding the failure of  Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in other developments.
  4. Allotments – Members have experience through the management of allotments that friction between allotment tenants and residents can occur particularly in two areas: shared boundaries and livestock and concluded that this should be addressed early in the planning.
  5. Site Management – The construction period can be stressful for existing residents, and it is undoubtedly and period smoother when a clear management plan in place before the build begins. In a local case this management plan did not exist until problems occurred, members therefore wished to encourage the management plan to be prepared and accepted before construction.
  6. S106 should be directed to benefit the Choppington area.

RESOLVED:            That the Parish Council submit comments in respect of planning application 26/01178/FUL and include the comments expressed during public questions by the members of the public.

There being no further matters requiring consideration the meeting concluded at 7.25pm

Chairman………………………………………………………..Dated……………………