Store back on agenda for Amble

Jan 10 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

PLANS for a supermarket at a Northumberland seaside town could be back on track after a rival bid for the site was dealt a blow.

The Duke of Northumberland’s Estates is seeking planning permission for a store with 49 homes on land at The Braid in Amble.

Its application was lodged with Alnwick District Council a year ago but has been held up by a rival proposal to register the site of the intended access as village green, thus safeguarding it from development.

That bid from residents – who did not want a road to be built across the greenbelt – had been recommended for approval by a planning inspector following a public inquiry.

But now, Northumberland County Council, which has the final say on the green bid, has ignored the inspector’s advice having sought a second opinion from a legal expert.

Having been initially inclined to endorse the inspector’s findings, it is now advising its rights of way committee that the site of the proposed access, which is on land owned by the district council, should not be designated. As per the inspector’s recommendations, the remainder of The Braid is being put forward for designation, except for the site of the proposed store.

Last night, the news was welcomed by the Estates and a local councillor.

Colin Barnes, the Estates’ director of planning, said: “If it allows the scheme to go ahead, I think the majority of the town and ourselves would welcome it. We are still keen to go ahead.”

Coun Ian Hinson, district and town councillor for Amble, added: “I am delighted. The fact is the judgment of the inspector put the block on any development of the land.”

But Roger Armsden, of Rivergreen, who is a supporter of the village green bid, voiced his displeasure. He said: “Obviously we are pleased that the great majority of the Braid is still being saved but we are disappointed that they appear to be suggesting the Alnwick District Council land should not be registered.”

Mr Armsden said he is nevertheless confident that the district council will recommend the supermarket scheme for refusal.

The rights of way committee will hold a special meeting on February 13 to determine the green application.

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