Plans to build up to 500 homes in Bedlington given the nod for the second time

A scheme for hundreds of new homes in Bedlington has been given the nod once again, despite concerns about the linked package of infrastructure improvements.

The outline application, for up to 500 homes on land south-west of Glebe Farm, off Choppington Road, was first approved last year, but there were several outstanding issues to iron out.

These have now been dealt with, but given that the Government issued a new version of its planning rules - the NPPF - in the summer, the bid was brought back to this month's meeting of Northumberland County Council's strategic planning committee.

The planning officers' advice hadn't changed and the scheme was still recommended for approval, with members voting to grant permission by 10 votes to two, with one abstention.

Earlier in the meeting, Coun Christine Taylor, of West Bedlington Town Council, had raised fears about the site access from Choppington Road, where 'traffic numbers are increasing regularly' and another new development is planned a mile up the road.

One of the issues dealt with since the previous approvals was the section 106 legal agreement, which will secure 15 per cent affordable housing, a £1.33million education contribution, £346,500 for healthcare and £229,000 for sports and leisure.