Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy

Strategic Land Review – South East Northumberland Delivery Area

October 2015

Strategic Land Review South East Northumberland Delivery Area 1. Introduction

1.1 The South East Northumberland Delivery Area extends inland from the coast, from its southern boundary with North Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne to Amble in the north. The Green Belt extends across parts of the area to prevent coalescence with the Tyneside conurbation to the south. There are important green infrastructure links along the coast, many of which are protected by nature conservation designations. The delivery area includes the Main Towns of Amble, Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth and Cramlington and the Service Centres of Guidepost/Stakeford/Choppington, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and Seaton Delaval/New Hartley/Seghill/Holywell. The small areas which cover these settlements, and the Rest of the South East Northumberland Delivery Area is shown below.

Figure 1: South East Northumberland Delivery Area

2. Amble

Introduction 2.1 Amble is a Main Town in the South East Delivery Area and is the key centre in the northern part of the Delivery Area. The small area is comprised of the Amble parish only.

Figure 2: Amble small area

Role and function

2.2 Amble is Northumberland's most important fishing centre and has an important tourism role as a result of its location at the southern approach to the Northumberland Coast AONB and the marina

2.3 It is home to a large employment site which accommodates a wide range of industrial and storage uses, light industrial uses and bulk retail operators. Vacancy levels are generally low but a large factory has recently been demolished and is now being marketed as a vacant plot. The site as a whole serves a largely indigenous, local market.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population Profile

2.4 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 6,025 usual residents in the Amble

area; a decrease of 19 people since 2001.

2.5 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) increased slightly from 62.1% to 62.5%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased significantly from 16.9% to 20.6%. Figure 3: Amble demographic profile People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 6,044 5.9% 15.0% 9.7% 28.4% 24.1% 9.9% 7.0% 2011 6,025 4.9% 12.0% 10.5% 22.4% 29.7% 11.1% 9.6%

2.6 In 2011, the Amble area had a slightly smaller proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a slightly larger proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection 2.7 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Amble will decrease significantly, by 9.1%, between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 64.1%, significantly higher than the decrease of the core working age population in Northumberland as a whole. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase markedly, with an 80.5% increase in those aged over 75. Figure 4: Amble population projection Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population 2011 2031 Change Change as a %

0-15 1,002 705 -297 -29.6% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 3,543 2,447 -2,271 -64.1% 60/65-74 890 1,272 382 42.9%

75+ 575 1,038 463 80.5% Total 6,010 5,462 -548 -9.1%

Housing Profile 2.8 In 2011, 91.0% of properties in the Amble area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 58.0% of these in Band A. 2.9 The 2011 Census recorded 2,826 household spaces in Amble, an increase of 145 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 130, or 4.6% had no residents. In 2011, 63.6% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 22.0% in social rented housing and 14.4% in the private rented sector. 2.10 In 2011, 12.3% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms,

38.7% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 49.0% have three bedrooms. 2.11 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Amble contains a larger proportion of low value properties, and few high value properties. The area is characterised by having fewer owner occupiers, and significantly more households living in social rented properties. The housing stock is relatively small. Economic activity 2.12 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 57.8% are in employment, 6.4% unemployed, and 19.6% retired. The proportion of people in employment is lower in Amble than Northumberland as a whole; however the unemployment and retirement rates are higher.

Constraints analysis

2.13 The North Sea forms a natural settlement boundary to the east of the Amble, while to the north of the settlement the River Coquet presents a further constraint to development. The A1068 bi-sects the town.

Figure 5: Amble

Highways 2.14 Amble is connected to the strategic road network, with the A1068 passing through Amble; linking the town to Alnwick and the A1 in the north and the rest

of south east Northumberland to the south. 2.15 A number of roads leading in to Amble have limited capacity, meaning improvements may be required to support further development; including Percy Drive to the south and Gloster Hill to the north west. In addition, Acklington Road to the south west has limited capacity, while there are capacity issues associated with a number of junctions within the town centre. Flood Risk 2.16 While most of the town is not identified as at risk of fluvial flooding, areas aligned with the River Coquet and The Gut to the north of Amble are identified as being in Flood Zone 3. To the east of Amble, a risk of coastal flooding extends along the coastline, which is in Flood Zone 3; as are intertidal mudflats to the north. A significant area to the northwest of Amble, adjacent to the River Coquet and incorporating Guilder’s Burn, Riverside Park, the A1068 and Beal Bank Farm is in Flood Zone 2, while a narrow strip of land to the south of Amble is also in Flood Zone 2. 2.17 The SFRA identifies areas aligned with the River Coquet, intertidal mudflats and The Gut as being within the functional flood plain, in Flood Zone 3b. The coastline is in Flood Zone 3a.

Figure 6: Amble Environment Agency Flood Risk

Figure 7: Amble Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Water and sewerage capacity 2.18 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ or Amble WwTW. 2.19 The WCS also identifies that the sewer network west of the town has a historic record of sewer flooding, and indicates that there are capacity issues within the public sewerage system in this location. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in this location.

Natural Environment Designations 2.20 In addition to being Heritage Coast and a Marine Conservation Zone, much of the coastline to the east of Amble is a designated SSSI; as is the River Coquet, located north of the town. The coastline to the north of the Coquet estuary is part of the Northumberland Coast AONB.

Figure 8: Amble natural environment designations

Built Heritage Designations 2.21 Amble contains a number of buildings which are protected by statutory designations. A conservation area extends from Albert Street, incorporating much of the town centre and the harbour to the east, while a number of listed buildings are located within the conservation area. To the northwest of Amble, St Mary Magdalene’s Medieval Chapel is a scheduled monument (SM).

Figure 9: Amble built heritage designations

Open Space 2.22 There is a sustained strip of open space near the costal front; this is largely made of amenity green space. A significant pocket of open land also exists next to Warkworth Harbour, this comprises by natural and semi natural green space. Education and sporting facilities further in land also provide a substantial source of open space near the Westfield area.

Figure 10: Amble green infrastructure and open space

Landscape sensitivity 2.23 The Key Landscape Impact Study identifies both the Coquet estuary to the north of Amble and the coastal edge to the north and east as being highly sensitive to change. The study identifies that the open, rising ground to the west of Amble (3) should be retained, while the western settlement edge (2), southern settlement edge (1) and the holiday park and industrial developments to the south (4) are of lower landscape sensitivity.

Figure 11: Amble landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification 2.24 The overwhelming majority of the land in the area has agricultural classification of Grade 3.

Figure 12: Amble agricultural land classification

2.25 More detailed analysis has been undertaken across some areas of land. A parcel of land on the A1068, adjacent to the Coquet Enterprise Park is identified as a mix of Grade 3a and Grade 3b agricultural land. A significant area of land to the west of New Hall, located west of Amble, is identified as being a mix of Grade 2, Grade 3a and Grade 3b.

Figure 13: Amble detailed agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas 2.26 The entire Amble area is underlay by a coal and clay mineral resource, while a narrow sand and gravel mineral resource extends adjacent to beaches either side of the Coquet estuary.

Historic Housing Delivery and Land Take Up Historic Housing Delivery 2.27 The Amble small area saw 6 completions over the period 2009-11. Approximately 40 dwellings were completed in Alnwick over the period 2004- 09, with a significant level of this development at Rivergreen and Belvedere Court. Employment Land Take Up 2.28 From 1999 to 2014, 0.49ha of allocated employment land has been taken up across one site in Amble, at Coquet Enterprise Park (A08). Over the same period 0.84ha has been lost to other land uses at the same site.

The availability of land for housing and employment Housing Land Availability 2.29 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period and beyond, across both the Amble small area and the settlement itself is set out below. 2.30 In addition to the 39 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area, with a capacity to accommodate an additional 916 dwellings over the plan period are identified; a capacity for a further 170 dwellings beyond the plan period is also identified. 100% of the capacity is within or adjacent to the town of Amble.

Figure 14: Housing land availability in the small area and Amble No of dwellings Small Area Amble Completions 2011-15 39 39 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 179 179 Developable sites 6- 10 years 429 429 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 278 278 Developable sites year 16 30 30 Total 955 955 Developable sites beyond plan period 170 170

2.31 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015- 2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 325 units across three sites currently under construction, and 46 units forecast to be delivered on one site with extant planning permission.

2.32 Of those units on sites under construction, Land west of A1068 and south of Marks Bridge (A/2010/0203) is expected to deliver 260 units. Of the units with extant permission 46 units are expected to be delivered on Land north of Queen Street and adjacent to The Gut and The Braid (A/2010/0522).

PDL/Greenfield 2.33 The SHLAA identifies that the 887 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction may be accommodated on 53.57ha of greenfield land.

Figure 15: Amble SHLAA sites

Employment land availability 2.34 The total employment land available in Amble is 10.676 ha, all of which is located at the Coquet Enterprise Park (A08). Figure 16: Allocated employment land availability in Amble Ref. Area Developed Available No Site Settlement (ha) (ha) (ha) Amble - Coquet A08 Enterprise Park Amble 29.237 11.724 10.676 10.676

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

2.35 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 600 dwellings over the plan period.

2.36 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within Amble to accommodate this scale of development. Given that 39 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 561 dwellings.

2.37 The plan proposes to retain the 29.23ha allocated to employment land, of which 10.84ha is available at the Coquet Enterprise Park. Conclusion 2.38 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 600 dwellings and proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy. 2.39 This level of development will assist in stemming the decline in the size of the population as a whole and in particular the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, and support Amble’s role as a main town in the South East Delivery Area. 2.40 The area to the southwest of the town which incorporates a site with planning consent for 260 dwellings is identified as an area of least constraint. The settlement edge in this location is of lower sensitivity to change. While there are numerous natural environment designations associated with the coast, these are located some distance from this area.

3. Ashington

Introduction

3.1 Ashington, located on the north bank of the River Wansbeck, is one five main towns located in the Central Delivery Area. The small area comprises solely the parish of Ashington but includes the settlement of Bothal.

Figure 17: Ashington small area

Role and function

3.2 Once a centre of the coal mining industry, the town now has an important strategic employment role in the County supported by the Wansbeck and Ashwood Business Parks. Northumberland College and Wansbeck Hospital are also located in the town. While the town centre has gone into decline over recent decades, significant investment is planned for the centre of Ashington to turn around its fortunes. It is proposed that the headquarters of Northumberland County Council will be relocated into the town. The town accommodates commuters working in other employment centres of South East Northumberland and Morpeth, and the Tyneside conurbation.

3.3 Ashington is well served by the strategic road network with the A189 to the east of the town providing links north and south. The town also benefits from two Country Parks: Wansbeck Riverside Country Park and the Queen Elizabeth II Country Park at Woodhorn.

Demographic, housing and economic profile

Population Profile

3.4 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 27,789 usual residents in the Ashington area; an increase of 330 people since 2001.

3.5 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) increased slightly from 64.3% to 65.2%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased from 16.3% to 16.8%.

Figure 18: Ashington demographic profile People aged 75 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 and 24 44 64 74 over 2001 27,459 5.4% 14.0% 10.2% 28.7% 25.4% 8.8% 7.5% 2011 27,789 5.8% 12.2% 11.5% 25.9% 27.8% 9.1% 7.7%

3.6 In 2011, the Ashington area had a larger proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a significantly smaller proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection 3.7 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Ashington will increase by 5.9% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 6.7%. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase markedly, with a 59.4% increase in those aged over 75.

Figure 19: Ashington population projection

Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population 2011 2031 Change Change as a % 0-15 5,011 5,533 522 10.4%

16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 17,144 16,001 -1,143 -6.7% 60/65-74 3,519 4,507 988 28.1% 75+ 2,130 3,396 1,266 59.4% Total 27,804 29,437 1,633 5.9%

Housing Profile

3.8 In 2011, 92.9% of properties in the Ashington area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 73.8% of these in Band A.

3.9 The 2011 Census recorded 13,096 household spaces in Ashington, an increase of 926 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 686, or 5.2% had no residents. In 2011, 60.6% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 22.6% in social rented housing and 16.8% in the private rented sector.

3.10 In 2011, 11.7% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms, 44.2% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 44.0% have three bedrooms.

3.11 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Ashington contains a larger proportion of low value properties, and few high value properties. The area is characterised by having a fewer owner occupiers, and more households living in social and private rented properties. Relatively few properties are large with four or more bedrooms.

Economic Profile

3.12 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 57.3% are in employment, 7.1% unemployed, and 16.1% retired.

3.13 The proportion of people in employment and in retirement is lower in Ashington than Northumberland as a whole; however the unemployment rate is higher.

Constraints analysis 3.14 The River Wansbeck represents a natural barrier to the south of Ashington, separating the town from Guidepost and Stakeford. The A189 to the east, and the A197 to the north, form barriers to development in these directions. North of the A197 lies Queen Elizabeth II Country Park and areas of woodland. Ashington is split in two, with the A196 and the railway separating East and West Ashington.

Figure 20: Ashington

Highways

3.15 Ashington is well connected to the strategic road network with two roundabouts providing access to the A189; connecting Ashington to Blyth, Cramlington and the Tyneside conurbation to the south. The A1068 links Ashington to Amble in the north and Bedlington to the south, while the A197 connects Ashington to Newbiggin and Morpeth, and will extend to connect with the A1 following construction of the Morpeth Northern Bypass which is scheduled for completion in 2016.

3.16 Development in Ashington is constrained by capacity issues associated with Newbiggin Road and the B1344 junction with the A189. This junction may require improvements to accommodate a significant level of development. Lintonville Terrace has limited capacity, while development at College Road to the south of Ashington may result in traffic implications for the town centre. There are capacity constraints associated with Wansbeck Road to the west of Ashington, while the junction linking the A1068 and A197 to the north west of the town may require improvements to accommodate new development in this

area.

Flood Risk

3.17 The areas identified in Flood Zones 2 and 3 are largely confined to the River Wansbeck to the south of the town. However there are number of areas at risk of surface water flooding within existing residential and industrial areas, and currently undeveloped part of the town to the north east and northwest.

Figure 21: Ashington Environment Agency Flood Map

3.18 Given that the areas at risk of flooding are aligned with the River Wansbeck, it is not surprising that most of the area in Flood Zone 3 is identified as 3b.

Figure 22: Ashington SFRA flood map

Water and sewerage capacity

3.19 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, but that there are capacity constraints associated with Newbiggin WwTW, where surface water has resulted in limited headroom. The source of infiltration will be investigated.

3.20 The WCS also identifies that the sewer network to the southwest of the town has a historic record of sewer flooding, while it is indicated that there are sewer capacity issues to the west of Ashington. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in this location.

Natural Environment Designations

3.21 The natural environment designations are predominantly to the north of Ashington and along the Wansbeck River to the south. Areas of Ancient Semi-natural woodland are located along parts of the Wansbeck valley and its tributaries. The River Wansbeck is also a LWGS, as is Welbeck Wood to the west. The pond to the west of Wansbeck Road is a Northumberland Wildlife Trust Reserve. Much of the land surrounding Ashington which incorporates woodland, ponds, lakes and water courses forms part of the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network. A small SSSI is located to the north.

Figure 23: Ashington natural environment designations

Built heritage designations

3.22 Woodhorn Colliery, the focus of the Woodhorn Museum, to the northeast of Ashington, is a Scheduled Monument. The former colliery site also includes a number of listed buildings. There are a number of listed buildings within the town itself including the former Co-op building, churches and First Row, a row as terraced houses to the west of the town centre.

Figure 24: Ashington built heritage designations

Open Space

3.23 Ashington benefits from large areas of open space. To the north Queen Elizabeth II Country Park and the Ashington/Woodhorn recreation scheme provide parks and gardens and natural and semi-natural green space. Wansbeck Riverside Park extends along the southern boundary of the town. A number of allotments and outdoor sports facilities are located across the town.

Figure 25: Ashington Open space

Landscape Sensitivity

3.24 The area to the north east of Ashington is identified as being of lower landscape sensitivity. However, the Key Landuse Impacts Study identifies that further development beyond the A189 (2) is undesirable and may lead towards coalescence with the settlement of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. The area to the southwest, along the Wanbeck valley, which separates the town from Bothal is of higher sensitivity. Localised areas north of the A197 (1) are considered to be of low sensitivity and currently benefit from development which is thought to enhance the northern settlement edge. Areas to the west of Ashington (5) are of moderate landscape sensitivity and the potential exists for enhancement through careful, localised development on an appropriate scale, while it is considered that infill development may be appropriate at North Seaton Business Park and industrial estate (4).

Figure 26: Ashington landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification

3.25 All of the agricultural land surrounding Ashington is Grade 3, with an area of Grade 4 northwest of the town.

Figure 27: Ashington agricultural land classification

3.26 Further analysis has been undertaken of pockets of land around the settlement which sub-divides the Grade 3 classification into 3a and 3b. Much of the undeveloped land to the east and south of Wansbeck Hospital is graded 3a, with a small area adjacent to the roundabout 3b. Most of the land north and west of Portland Terrace in the west of Ashington is Graded 3b.

Figure 28: Ashington detailed agricultural land classification

Mineral resource areas

3.27 The entire Ashington small area is located in mineral resource areas containing clay and coal. Sand and gravel resources are located along the Wansbeck River, and to the west of Bothal.

Historic Housing Delivery and Employment Land take up

Historic housing delivery

3.28 Over the period 2009-11, only 21 additional dwellings were delivered in the Ashington small area. From 2004-09, a number of dwellings were completed at Seaton Vale, Portland Park and on the Moorhouse Estate.

Employment Land Take Up

3.29 From 1999 to 2014, 20.5ha of allocated employment land has been taken up across Ashington, principally at Ashwood Park (F12), North Seaton (F02) and Wansbeck Business Park (F10). Over the same period 3.17ha has been lost to other land uses, largely at North Seaton (F02).

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

3.30 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period and beyond, across both the Ashington small area and the settlement itself is set out below.

3.31 In addition to the 265 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area, with a capacity to accommodate an additional 1802 dwellings over the plan period are identified; a capacity for a further 390 dwellings beyond the plan period is also identified. 100% of the capacity is within or adjacent to the town of Ashington.

Figure 29: Housing land availability in the small area and Ashington No of dwellings Small Area Ashington Completions 2011-15 265 265 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 431 431 Developable sites 6- 10 years 643 643 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 728 728 Developable sites year 16 0 0 Total 2067 2067 Developable sites beyond plan period 390 390

3.32 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 1037 units across five sites currently under construction, and 201 units across two sites with extant planning permission.

3.33 Of those units on sites under construction, Land at Summerhouse Lane, Ashington (00/00009/REMA) is expected to deliver 657 units, while the Former NCB Workshops, Ellington Road (00/00213/FUL) is expected to deliver 357 units. Of the units with extant permission 104 units are expected to be delivered at the Former Ashington Hospital site (13/03856/FUL) and 97 units are expected to be delivered at Wansbeck General Hospital, Woodhorn Lane (11/02572/OUT).

PDL/Greenfield

3.34 The SHLAA identifies that of the 1359 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 223 dwellings (16%) may be accommodated on 7.3ha of PDL, and 1136 (84%) on 68.0ha of greenfield land.

Figure 30: SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

3.35 The total employment land available in Ashington is 29.352ha. The majority of the land available is located at Ashwood Business Park (F12), North Seaton Industrial Estate (F02) and at Wansbeck Business Park (F10).

Figure 31: Ashington allocated employment land Ref. Developed No Site Settlement Area (ha) (ha) Available (ha) Jubilee F01 Industrial Estate Ashington 21.056 17.781 0.399 North Seaton F02 Industrial Estate Ashington 33.000 21.955 7.195 Wansbeck F10 Business Park Ashington 19.664 7.875 5.404 Lintonville F11 Enterprise Park Ashington 3.773 2.957 0.221 Ashwood F12 Business Park Ashington 37.397 10.471 16.133 29.352

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

3.36 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 1,800 dwellings over the plan period.

3.37 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within Ashington to accommodate this scale of development. Given that 265 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 1,535 dwellings.

3.38 The Plan proposes the de-allocation of 1.19ha employment land at the Jubilee Industrial Estate (F01), and Ellington Road Ends (F03) leaving a total employment land of 114.58ha, with 28.58ha of available land.

Conclusion

3.39 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 1800 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy.

3.40 This level of development will assist in arresting the decline in the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, and support regeneration, and Ashington’s role as a main town in the South East Delivery Area. There are no significant constraints to development.

3.41 Two areas of least constraint are identified; to the northeast and northwest of the town. While there is a risk of surface water flooding in these locations there are no prohibitive constraints. In each of these locations, there are sites which benefit from planning consent.

4. Bedlington

Introduction

4.1 Bedlington is a Main Town located in the South East Northumberland Delivery Area. The town, together with linked settlement of Bedlington Station, is situated north of the River Blyth, and lies between the A1 and A189 spine road which links SE Northumberland with Tyneside. The Bedlington ‘small area’ comprises the parishes of East and West Bedlington, and includes the settlements of Cambois, East Sleekburn, Hartford Bridge, Nedderton and North Blyth.

Figure 32: Bedlington small area

Role and Function

4.2 Bedlington provides housing for those working in the neighbouring towns and those commuting to Tyneside. Given the close proximity of larger towns, services provided predominantly serve the local market. The Welwyn Electronics factory to the north of Bedlington Station, and West Sleekburn Industrial Estate, provides employment, together with the Barrington Industrial Estate which is located just outside of the Bedlington small area but is linked to the town. Much of the east of the small area is allocated employment land, and part of the Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area. Part of this area is subject to a Local Development Order which grants planning permission for certain employment uses subject to various criteria and planning conditions. These employment areas are considered important to delivering some of the

key economic objectives of the plan.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population

4.3 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 18,470 usual residents in the Bedlington area; an increase of 552 people since 2001.

4.4 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) increased slightly from 63.6% to 63.7%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased from 17.3% to 17.8%.

Figure 33: Bedlington demographic profile People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 17,918 5.7% 13.5% 9.6% 28.6% 25.4% 9.1% 8.2% 2011 18,470 5.7% 12.8% 10.4% 25.1% 28.3% 9.4% 8.3%

4.5 In 2011, the Bedlington area had a slightly larger proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a significantly smaller proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection

4.6 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Bedlington will increase by 3.3% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 9.1%. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase, with a 52.8% increase in those aged over 75.

Figure 34: Bedlington population projection Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population Change 2011 2031 Change as a % 0-15 3,371 3,374 3 0.1% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 11,164 10,150 -1,014 -9.1% 60/65-74 2,363 3,162 799 33.8% 75+ 1,572 2,402 830 52.8% Total 18,470 19,088 618 3.3%

Housing Profile

4.7 In 2011, 82.9% of properties were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 61.2% of properties in Band A.

4.8 The 2011 Census recorded 8,454 household spaces in the Bedlington small area, an increase of 467 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 330, or 3.9% had no residents. In 2011, 64.1% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 22.9% in social rented housing and 13.0% in the private rented sector. A marked difference is observed between the parishes of East and West Bedlington, with the former containing comparatively fewer owner occupied dwellings, and a larger social rented sector.

4.9 In 2011, 16.3% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms, 38.5% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 45.2% have three bedrooms. Again, marked differences between the parishes are observed, with a much larger proportion of properties in East Bedlington being of less than three bedrooms.

4.10 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Bedlington contains a larger proportion of low value properties, and fewer high value properties. While there are proportionally fewer owner occupiers, more households living in social rented properties, and the housing stock is relatively small, marked differences are evident between the parishes of East and West Bedlington.

Economic Activity

4.11 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 60.8% are in employment, 5.6% unemployed, and 16.7% retired.

4.12 The proportion of people in employment reflects the County average. Relatively fewer people are in retirement in Bedlington, while the unemployment rate is slightly higher.

Constraints Analysis

4.13 The wooded River Blyth valley forms the south eastern boundary to the settlements of Bedlington and Bedlington Station, with the land dropping steeply from the existing built form. The stream Green Letch forms a natural boundary to the west of Bedlington. Mineral railway lines run to the north of Bedlington and dissect Bedlington Station. The A189 spine road represents a barrier to development to the east.

Figure 35: Bedlington

Highways

4.14 Bedlington is well connected to the strategic road network, with the A189 located to the east of the town; connecting Bedlington to Ashington and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in the north and Cramlington and the Tyneside conurbation to the south. The A1068 also connects Bedlington to Ashington, while the A193 provides a link to Blyth to the east. The B1331 links Bedlington to the A192, connecting the town to Morpeth.

4.15 At the centre of Bedlington, a small roundabout is located where the A1068, A193 and the B1331 meet. To the north, the A1068 is constrained by bends and changes in elevation. Church Lane to the south of Bedlington is constrained by capacity issues, as is the B1331 to the west; both roads may require improvements to accommodate a significant level of development.

Flood Risk

4.16 Areas identified in Flood Zone 2 and Flood Zone 3, are largely aligned with the water courses of the River Blyth to the south and Sleek Burn to the north. Neither Bedlington, nor Bedlington Station is considered at risk. There are however, areas at risk of surface water flooding.

Figure 36: Bedlington Environment Agency Flood Map

4.17 Given that the areas at risk of flooding are aligned with the water courses it is not surprising that most of the area in Flood Zone 3 is identified as 3b.

Figure 37: Bedlington Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

4.18 To the east of the main settlements, parts of the small area north of the River

Blyth are located in Flood Zone 2 including the area south of Cambois First School, and parts of the proposed Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area.

Figure 38: Environment Agency Flood Map - Cambois

4.19 Part of Battleship Wharf, at North Blyth is identified in Flood Zone 3b.

Figure 39: Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Flood Map – Cambois

Water and sewerage capacity

4.20 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, or Cambois WwTW.

4.21 The WCS also identifies that the sewer networks to the northeast and to the south of Bedlington have a historic record of sewer flooding, while it is indicated that there are likely to be sewer capacity issues to the north, south, southwest, west and at Cambois. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in these locations.

Natural Environment Designations

4.22 Much of the River Blyth Valley to the south of Bedlington is designated a LWGS, with ancient semi-natural woodland covering much of the area. The valley also forms part of the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network, which also extends along Green Letch along the western boundary of Bedlington and includes Gallagher Park and other green space to the north.

Figure 40: Bedlington natural environment designations

4.23 While located away from the main settlements, the coastline along North Blyth is designated a as a Ramsar site, and a Special Protection Area, with the whole stretch of coastline, together with parts of the River Blyth estuary designated as SSSIs. The SSI also extends into the Blyth estuary, and is adjacent to allocated employment land.

Figure 41: Cambois natural environment designations

Built heritage designations

4.24 Bedlington Conservation Area extends the length of Front Street. A number of listed buildings are located within the conservation area. The Coal Staithes associated with the former Blyth Power Station in the east of the small area is also listed.

Figure 42: Bedlington built heritage designations

Archaeological Sensitivity

4.25 The extensive urban survey identifies the area focussed upon Bedlington Front Street East as being of high archaeological sensitivity. The areas around Front Street West, and Millfield are of medium sensitivity.

Figure 43: Bedlington Archaeological Sensitivity

Open Space

4.26 The River Blyth valley to the southeast incorporates parks and gardens and an area of natural and semi-natural green space, while the southwest settlement edge incorporates a significant amount of amenity green space. To the north, Gallagher Park incorporates areas of natural and semi-natural green space, together with playing fields and the cricket ground. Additional outdoor sports facilities are located to the west associated with the schools. Across the settlements, there are numerous areas occupied by allotments and amenity open space.

Figure 44: Bedlington open space

Green Belt

4.27 While neither the settlements of Bedlington nor Bedlington Station are constrained by the Tyne and Wear Green Belt, the Green Belt does extend into the western part of the small area, surrounding the settlements of Nedderton and Hartford Bridge which are inset from the Green Belt.

Figure 45: Green Belt

Landscape Sensitivity

4.28 The Key Landscape Impact Study identifies that open views to distinct rises in the landscape should be retained (5) e.g. Ewart Hill and wooded rise near Gallager Park, and that the characteristic green spaces within the settlement edge (6) should be retained. Areas of lower sensitivity are located south of the Sleek Burn, including areas west of the A189 and along the Morpeth railway, north of Bedlington Station (1), and the area north of East Forest (3). The study identifies that the less sensitive western settlement edge may benefit from small-scale development to the west of Westlea (4), and that there may be scope for enhancement at Sleekburn industrial estate, including through limited development (2). The area around Bebside is identified as being less sensitive to development, though with potential implications for coalescence between Bedlington and Blyth (7).

Figure 46: Bedlington landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification

4.29 Outside of the urban areas, all agricultural land surrounding Bedlington and Bedlington Station is classified as Grade 3.

Figure 47: Bedlington agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas

4.30 The entire Bedlington small area is located in mineral resource areas containing clay and coal. Sand and gravel resources are located along the Wansbeck River, which forms the northern boundary to the area, and along the sea front at Cambois.

Historic Housing Delivery and Employment Land take up

4.31 Over the period 2009-11, only an additional 15 dwellings were delivered in the Bedlington small area. Prior to these years the level of development was modest including residential schemes at Hartford Hall, Allen Tait Scrap Metal, Old Palace Night Club, Netherton venue, School Road and Station Road.

Employment Land Take Up

4.32 From 1999 to 2014, 1.02ha of allocated employment land was taken up across one site in Bedlington, at Barrington (F04), while over the same period there was no land lost to other uses. In the Cambois area there was 10.6ha of allocated employment land taken up, principally at Cambois – ZEO (F07), while 6.91ha at Cambois – West Sleekburn (F18) was lost to other land uses.

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

4.33 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period across both the Bedlington small area and the settlement itself is set out below.

4.34 In addition to the 62 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area with a capacity to accommodate an additional 1187 dwellings over the plan period are identified. Approximately 88% of the capacity is within or adjacent to the town of Bedlington.

Figure 48: Housing land availability in the small area and Bedlington No of dwellings Small Area Bedlington/Bedlington Station Completions 2011-15 62 61 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 233 185 Developable sites 6- 10 years 775 680 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 179 179 Developable sites year 16 0 0 Total 1249 1105

4.35 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 74 units across two sites currently under construction, and 85 units forecast to be delivered across three sites with extant planning permission.

4.36 Of those units on sites under construction, Land south of Featherstone Grove, Hazelmere (13/00759/FUL) is expected to deliver 41 units, while Land north of Slaley Court (13/02080/FUL) is expected to deliver 33 units. Of the units with extant permission, 60 units are expected to be delivered at Land northwest of Broadway House Farm, Church Lane (14/01768/FUL).

4.37 A further site identified as Land to the north of Spring Ville, East Sleekburn, Bedlington with the capacity for 48 units was granted planning consent after the base date of 1 April 2015.

PDL/Greenfield

4.38 The SHLAA identifies that of the 1155 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 242 dwellings (21%) may be accommodated on 9.0ha of PDL, and 913 (79%) on 43.3ha of greenfield land.

Figure 49: SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

4.39 The total employment land available in the Bedlington small area is 10.391ha, all of which is located in Cambois, to the east of Bedlington. A significant amount of this land is located at Cambois Zone of Economic Opportunity (F07), where most of the land is held for expansion.

Figure 50: Bedlington allocated employment sites

Ref. Developed Available No Site Settlement Area (ha) (ha) (ha) Cambois - Zone of Economic Not in a F07 Opportunity Settlement 261.423 41.12 8.676 Cambois - West Sleekburn Industrial Not in a F18 Estate Settlement 20.607 17.326 1.715 10.391

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

4.40 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 1,280 dwellings over the plan period.

4.41 The above information indicates that there is not sufficient capacity within the Bedlington small area to accommodate this scale of development on deliverable and developable sites. However, there is significant capacity on sites identified as ‘uncertain’ in the SHLAA north of Bedlington, around Bedlington Station and at Cambois. It is considered that the identified shortfall in supply could be accommodated by these sites. Given that 62 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 988 dwellings.

4.42 The plan proposes the de-allocation of 11.17ha at the western edge of the Cambois Zone of Economic Opportunity (F07) and Bedlington Station (F06), leaving a total employment land allocation of 61.57ha, with 9.29ha of available land.

Conclusion

4.43 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 1280 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy, with an element of the development likely to come forward on sites currently identified with constraints.

4.44 This level of development will assist in arresting the decline in the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, reducing the differences in the profiles between the two parishes which make up the small area, and support Bedlington’s role as a main town in the South East Delivery Area.

4.45 While there are local highway constraints to overcome, development in the town is relatively unconstraint. Designated areas largely co-inside with areas of flood risk and landscape sensitivity. Constraints are more significant in relation to the Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area to the east of the small area. Development in the location will need to be mindful of localised flooding issues and national and international designations associated with the Blyth Estuary and the coast.

4.46 The north of Bedlington is identified as an area of least constraint, although localised highway improvements are likely to be required to accommodate large scale development in this location.

5. Blyth

Introduction 5.1 Blyth is a Main Town sitting in the South East Northumberland Delivery Area it serves as commuter town to Tyne and Wear. The small area is comprised of solely Blyth parish. It includes Bebside.

Figure 51: Blyth small area

Role and function

5.2 There is significant economic growth potential particularly at Blyth Estuary, which includes sites with Enterprise Zone status. Opportunities exist to build on current assets including the National Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) and the Port of Blyth which is a sizeable commercial port with a deep-water harbour and warehousing facilities. Specific sectors being targeted include; offshore oil and gas, renewables and advanced manufacturing.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population Profile

5.3 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 37,339 usual residents in the Blyth area; an increase of 1,521 people since 2001.

5.4 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) increased slightly from 63.5% to 64.3%, while the proportion aged over

65 increased from 15.7% to 16.3%.

Figure 52: Blyth demographic profile People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 35818 6.1% 14.7% 10.5% 27.6% 25.3% 8.8% 6.9% 2011 37339 6.1% 13.3% 11.4% 25.2% 27.8% 8.8% 7.4%

5.5 In 2011, the Blyth area had a larger proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a significantly smaller proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection

5.6 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Blyth will increase by 6.3% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 5.5%. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase markedly, with a 69.9% increase in those aged over 75.

Figure 53: Blyth population projection Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population 2011 2031 Change Change as a % 0-15 7,242 7,481 239 3.3% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 22,664 21,412 -1,252 -5.5% 60/65-74 4,712 6,138 1,426 30.3% 75+ 2,807 4,769 1,962 69.9% Total 37,425 39,800 2,375 6.3%

Housing Profile

5.7 In 2011, 92.7% of properties in the Blyth area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 68.7% of these in Band A.

5.8 The 2011 Census recorded 16,691 household spaces in Blyth, an increase of 973 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 580, or 3.4% had no residents. In 2011, 59.4% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 27.0% in social rented housing and 13.6% in the private rented sector.

5.9 In 2011, 11.8% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms, 40.6% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 47.6% have three bedrooms.

5.10 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Blyth contains a larger proportion of low value properties, and few high value properties. The area is characterised by having significantly fewer owner occupiers, and more households living in social rented properties. The housing stock is relatively small, with few large properties.

Economic activity

5.11 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 58.2% are in employment, 6.1% unemployed, and 16.3% retired.

5.12 The proportion of people in employment and in retirement is lower in Blyth than Northumberland as a whole; however the unemployment rate is higher.

Constraints analysis

5.13 The River Blyth Estuary and the North Sea limit the settlement boundary of Blyth to the north and east, while the A1061 bounds the town to the south. Further development is constrained to the west of Blyth by the A189 and the Blyth and Tyne Railway, while a section of dismantled railway bi-sects the town.

Figure 54: Blyth

Highways

5.14 Blyth is well connected to the strategic road network, with Cowpen Road and Laverock Hall Road providing access to the A189; connecting Blyth to Ashington and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in the north and Cramlington and the

Tyneside conurbation to the south. The A193 links Blyth to Bedlington to the west.

5.15 Development in Blyth is constrained by capacity issues associated with two main routes in to Blyth; Cowpen Road to the north and Laverock Hall Road to the south west. Funding for a new Blyth Central Link Road is being sought to address these issues. To the north west of Blyth, a junction linking Cowpen Road and Consiton Road also has congestion issues.

Flood Risk

5.16 While most of the town is not identified as at risk of fluvial flooding, much of the town centre, located to the east of Blyth and incorporating Union Street, Princess Louise Road and the north area of Bridge Street, is in Flood Zone 3 associated with the estuary. An area aligned with the River Blyth, extending west to Blyth estuary in the east, is also identified as being in Flood Zone 3; as are areas aligned with Sleek Burn to the north and Horton Burn to the west. An additional area aligned with Meggie’s Burn, Lysdon Burn and Lysdon Well, south of South Newsham, is also identified as being in Flood Zone 3, while there is a significant surface water flood risk across much of the Blyth area.

Figure 55: Blyth Environment Agency Flood Risk

5.17 The SFRA identifies that the areas identified above aligned with the water courses are largely within the functional flood plain, in Flood Zone 3b, while much of the town centre to the east of Blyth is in Flood Zone 3a.

Figure 56: Blyth Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Water and sewerage capacity

5.18 The WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, or with Blyth WwTW.

5.19 The WCS also identifies that the sewer network to the north of Blyth has a historic network of sewer flooding, while it is indicated that there are capacity issues with sewer networks to the north and west of Blyth and at South West Newsham. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in these locations.

Natural Environment Designations

5.20 Blyth contains a number of natural environment designations, with much of the River Blyth and the Blyth coastline protected by statutory designations. Intertidal mudflats in Blyth estuary are designated a SSSI, and the coastline is also part of the Northumberland Shore Site SSSI. Starting at East Pier, a Ramsar site extends along the coast to North Blyth, with this area also noted as a Special Protection Area. Much of the area aligned with the River Blyth up to Battleship Wharf is identified as a LWGS, although an area incorporating the Bebside Viaduct is not included; Sleek Burn is also a LWGS. Situated on the south bank of the River Blyth, Bebside Wood is identified as ancient semi- natural woodland; as are Acornbank Wood, Hartford Wood and Horton Dean to the west of Blyth. Much of the area surrounding Blyth is identified as being part of the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network, while Newsham

Pond to the south of Blyth is part of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust Reserves.

Figure 57: Blyth natural environment designations

Built Heritage Designations

5.21 A number of conservation areas are located in the town centre, to the east of Blyth. The largest of the three is located between Middleton Street and Waterloo Road, adjacent to Renwick Road, while a second conservation area is aligned with Bridge Street and incorporates Blyth Library and Croft Veterinary. A third conservation area is located to the west end of Bridge Street and incorporates Wellington Street and Bath Terrace. There are numerous listed and locally listed buildings clustered within these conservation areas and throughout the town centre.

Figure 58: Blyth built heritage designations

Open Space

5.22 Blyth contains a significant amount of open space, with much of this being identified as outdoor sports facilities. Blyth Cricket, Rugby and Tennis Club and the adjacent playing fields are located near to Croft Park and recreation grounds on Plessey Road, while playing fields are located to the south of Blyth, at South Newsham. The bowling green is located at the Civic Centre on Renwick Road, with remaining outdoor sports facilities associated with, or in the vicinity of the schools. Numerous parks and gardens in Blyth include Ridley Park, located to the east of Blyth near the harbour, and the Beach Gardens aligned along the promenade at South Beach. Bedlington Country Park is aligned along the west bank of the River Blyth, adjacent to Horton Dean and Bebside Wood on the east bank. A significant area of natural and semi-natural green space is located to the south of Blyth Community College.

Figure 59: Blyth green infrastructure and open space

Green Belt

5.23 The Tyne and Wear Green Belt extends to the south of Blyth. The Green Belt in this location helps maintain separation between Blyth and the Tyneside conurbation.

Figure 60: Green Belt – Blyth

Landscape sensitivity

5.24 Green Belt beyond the A1061 (3) is identified as being of high landscape sensitivity, maintaining open farmland to the south of Blyth. Land west of New Delaval (2) is identified as less sensitive to change, in addition to the area around Bebside (5). Land along the A193 at Factory Point (4) and to the north of the River Blyth (6) is also of low landscape sensitivity. The Landscape Impact Study indicates there is potential for infill development at the western settlement edge along the railway line (1).

Figure 61: Blyth landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification

5.25 The agricultural land classification identifies much of the town of Blyth as urban, although the surrounding land is identified as Grade 3.

Figure 62: Blyth agricultural land classification

5.26 More detailed analysis has been undertaken across much of the land to the south and west of Blyth. Agricultural land between New Delaval and the A1061, is identified as Grade 3b, along with land to the west of Blyth, adjacent to the railway. Agricultural land at Newsham North Farm, south of Blyth, is identified as a mix of Grade 3a and Grade 3b, while land at Bebside, between Horton Road and the A189, is identified as a mix of grades.

Figure 63: Blyth detailed agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas

5.27 The entire Blyth area is underlay with coal and clay mineral resources, while a sand and gravel mineral resource is aligned with much of the coastline. An additional sand and gravel mineral resource is identified to the north of the settlement, extending from Kitty Brewster Farm to Cowpen New Town, along the south bank of the River Blyth.

Historic Housing Delivery and Land Take Up

Historic Housing Delivery

5.28 The Blyth small area saw 237 completions over the period 2009-11. Approximately 300 dwellings were completed in Blyth over the period 2004- 09, with a significant level of this development at Front Street in Bebside, South Beach, South Newsham Road and Hedley Avenue.

Employment Land Take Up

5.29 From 1999 to 2014, 10.09ha of allocated employment land has been taken up across Blyth, principally at South Harbour (C04). Over the same period 13.21ha has been lost to other land uses, largely at Bates (C16) and Cowley Road (C02).

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

5.30 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period and beyond, across both the Blyth small area and the settlement itself is set out below.

5.31 In addition to the 754 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area, with a capacity to accommodate an additional 2624 dwellings over the plan period are identified; a capacity for a further 82 dwellings beyond the plan period is also identified. Nearly all of the capacity is within or adjacent to the town of Blyth.

Figure 64: Housing land availability in the small area and Blyth No of dwellings Small Area Blyth Completions 2011-15 754 754 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 985 977 Developable sites 6- 10 years 1137 1137 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 472 472 Developable sites year 16 30 30 Total 3378 3370 Developable sites beyond plan period 82 82

5.32 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites

with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 1692 units across 4 sites currently under construction, and 472 units forecast to be delivered across 10 sites with extant planning permission.

5.33 Of those units on sites under construction, Land at west Blyth accessed from Chase Farm Drive (07/00434/REM) is expected to deliver 713 units, Wellesley CHE, Links Road Blyth (12/01747/REM) is expected to deliver 395 units and Land west of Benridge Park Laverock Hall Road, Blyth (14/01449/FUL) is expected to deliver 350 units. Of the units with extant permission 275 are expected to be delivered on Land south west of Park Farm, South Newsham Road, Blyth (12/00250/OUT).

5.34 A further site identified as Former Morpeth Road Primary School Disraeli Street Blyth with the capacity for 26 units was granted planning consent after the base date of 1 April 2015.

PDL/Greenfield

5.35 The SHLAA identifies that of the 1455 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 580 dwellings (40%) may be accommodated on 23.3ha of PDL, and 875 (60%) on 52.4ha of greenfield land.

Figure 65: Blyth SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

5.36 The total employment land available in Blyth is 21.968ha. The majority of the land available is located at the Bates site (C16) and at the Riverside Business Park site on Coniston Road (C03).

Figure 66: Allocated employment land availability in Blyth Ref. Developed Available No Site Settlement Area (ha) (ha) (ha) Blyth - Riverside Business Park (Coniston C03 Road) Blyth 46.954 22.806 6.475 Blyth - Riverside Business Park (Cowley C02 Road) Blyth 20.218 13.357 4.241 Blyth - C16 Bates Blyth 29.596 10.35 8.579 Blyth - Harbour C04 South Blyth 46.853 34.041 1.219 Blyth - C05 Crofton Mill Blyth 2.168 0.705 1.454 21.968

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

5.37 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 3,100 dwellings over the plan period.

5.38 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within Blyth to accommodate this scale of development. Given that 754 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 2,346 dwellings.

5.39 The plan proposes the de-allocation of 0.15ha of employment land at New Deleval, and 6.32ha across two sites in Blyth. In addition land is proposed to be de-allocated within the BESEA. Across Blyth, 70.93ha of employment land is proposed to be retained with 9.74ha available. Overall the BESEA equates to 202ha.

Conclusion

5.40 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 3100 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy.

5.41 This level of development will assist in arresting the decline in the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, and support Blyth’s role as a main town, and a key employment area in the South East Delivery Area. 5.42 Key constraints to delivery are the capacity of highways into Blyth, particularly Cowpen Road. Parts of the town centre are at risk of tidal flooding, which may constrain development here, including employment sites. Development close to the river will need to be mindful of the designated sites associated with the estuary. 5.43 The southwest of Blyth is identified as an area of least constraint. While there are surface water flooding issues in some areas, there is potential for these issues to be addressed on site. Part of this area already benefits for planning consent.

6. Cramlington Introduction

6.1 Cramlington is a Main Town in the South East Northumberland Delivery Area. The small area is comprised solely of Cramlington parish. It includes the settlement of East Cramlington. To the south of the small area is the administrative boundary with North Tyneside.

Figure 67: Cramlington small area

Role and function

6.2 Cramlington is a sub-regional centre for industry with the largest concentration of manufacturing businesses in Northumberland, including a cluster of pharmaceuticals companies. In commercial terms, it has become one of the most successful of Northumberland’s settlements for industrial activity over the past 10 years. It is a prime location for inward investment because of the quality of its environment, proximity to Tyneside and its excellent transport links.

6.3 The redevelopment of the town centre, including a cinema, and the construction of a new specialist emergency care hospital to the east of Cramlington has strengthened the role of the town.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population Profile

6.4 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 29,413 usual residents in the Cramlington area; a decrease of 987 people since 2001.

6.5 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) decreased from 68.7% to 66.1%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased from 10.7% to 15.9%.

Figure 68: Cramlington demographic profile People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 30400 5.5% 15.1% 11.3% 29.8% 27.5% 5.9% 4.8% 2011 29413 5.4% 12.5% 10.4% 25.6% 30.1% 9.6% 6.3%

6.6 In 2011, the Cramlington area had a larger proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a significantly smaller proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection

6.6 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Cramlington will decrease significantly by 15.4% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 35.2%, significantly higher than the decrease of the core working age population in Northumberland as a whole. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase markedly, with a 154.2% increase in those aged over 75, significantly higher than the increase in those aged over 75 in Northumberland as a whole.

Figure 69: Cramlington population projection

Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population 2011 2031 Change Change as a % 0-15 5,245 3,795 -1,450 -27.7% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 18,134 11,742 -6,392 -35.2% 60/65-74 4,191 4,523 332 7.9% 75+ 1,871 4,756 2,885 154.2% Total 29,441 24,816 -4,625 -15.7%

Housing profile

6.7 In 2011, 88.2% of properties in the Cramlington area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 55.0% of these in Band A.

6.8 The 2011 Census recorded 12,777 household spaces in Cramlington, an increase of 218 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 243, or 1.9% had no residents. In 2011, 72.1% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 18.3% in social rented housing and 9.6% in the private rented sector.

6.10 In 2011, 16.7% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms, 35.7% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 47.7% have three bedrooms.

6.11 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Cramlington contains a larger proportion of low value properties, and few high value properties. The area is characterised by having a larger proportion of owner occupiers, and less households living in private rented properties. The housing stock size is similar to the county as a whole though there are relatively fewer large properties.

Economic activity

6.12 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 62.8% are in employment, 4.0% unemployed, and 18.2% retired.

6.13 The proportion of people in employment is higher in Cramlington than Northumberland as a whole; however the retirement rate and unemployment rates are lower.

Constraints analysis

6.14 Designed as a new town, Cramlington is formed of four distinct sectors, defined by the road network and railway line. The A192 forms natural boundary to the north, while boundaries to the east, west and south are formed by the A189, A1068 and A19. The East Coast Mainline bi-sects the town; as does the A1172.

Figure 70: Cramlington

Highways

6.15 Cramlington is well connected to the strategic road network, with two junctions providing access to the A189; connecting the town to Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea to the north and the Tyneside conurbation to the south. The A19 bounds the settlement to the south, providing access to the Tyneside conurbation and the A1 which links Cramlington to Morpeth, Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish Borders to the north. The A192, located to the north west of Cramlington, provides access to Bedlington and Morpeth.

6.16 To the south of Cramlington Station there are congestion issues associated with the mini roundabout linking the A1171, A1172 and Station Road (B1326); options to alleviate these issues are being considered. Development is constrained to the west of Cramlington due to capacity issues associated with Fisher Lane, while highway improvements may be required to support development to the north east of Cramlington. Additional development constraints are located to the north west of the town due to capacity issues associated with the A192, which is a single carriageway.

Flood Risk

6.17 The town of Cramlington is not identified as at risk of fluvial flooding, although areas aligned with the River Blyth to the north and Sandy’s Letch to the south are both in Flood Zone 3; as is a small area aligned with Horton Burn, located in the Shankhouse area to the north of Cramlington. A significant area of land in Cramlington is identified as having a high Surface Water Flood Risk.

Figure 71: Cramlington Environment Agency Flood Risk

6.18 The SFRA identifies that the areas identified above are largely within the functional flood plain, in Flood Zone 3b.

Figure 72: Cramlington Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Water and sewerage capacity

6.19 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, or Cramlington WwTW, but that there are capacity constraints associated with Howden WwTW.

6.20 The WCS also identifies that the sewer network to the southwest of the town has a historic record of sewer flooding, while it is indicated that there are capacity issues with the sewer network to the southeast of Cramlington. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in this location.

Natural Environment Designations

6.21 Much of the Cramlington area is identified as being part of the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network, including a significant area to the west of Cramlington which incorporates Shotton, Northumberlandia, Arcot Hall Golf Club and a number of plantations. In the south of the South West Sector is an SSSI. An area in the vicinity of Nelson Village is identified as a Local Nature Reserve, as is East Cramlington Pond. Additional Local Nature Reserves include Bassington Industrial Estate and an area of green space adjacent to East Cramlington Farm.

Figure 73: Cramlington natural environment designations

Built Heritage Designations

6.22 Much of Cramlington Village is a designated conservation area, and incorporates a number of listed buildings such as Cramlington Hall, St Nicholas Church and The Blagdon Arms. Blagdon Park, located to the west of Cramlington, also contains a number of listed buildings.

Figure 74: Cramlington built heritage designations

Open Space

6.23 Much of the Cramlington area is identified as open space, with a significant amount of the area identified as amenity green space. Northburn Sports and Community Centre, playing fields at Easfield Lea and recreation grounds at East Hartford are all located to the north of Cramlington, while Cramlington Football Club, land at Cramlington Learning Village and recreation grounds in Cramlington Village are all outdoor sports facilities.

6.24 Plessey Woods Country Park is aligned with the north bank of the River Blyth, to the north of Cramlington, with Hartford Wood on the adjacent bank being natural and semi-natural green space. Additional natural and semi-natural green space includes East Cramlington Pond, located east of the town, Bassington Industrial Estate on the A1182 and Valley Park to the south of Cramlington. Alexandra Park is located to the south of Cramlington, on Dudley Lane.

Figure 75: Cramlington green infrastructure and open space

Green Belt

6.25 The Tyne and Wear Green Belt surrounds Cramlington to the east, south and west, although there is a significant amount of land outwith the Green Belt that it is not considered a significant constraint to development. The Green Belt separates Cramlington from the Tyneside conurbation.

Figure 76: Green Belt

Landscape sensitivity

6.26 The Landscape Impact Study identifies that the Green Belt to the east of Cramlington (3) should be safeguarded, and is of high landscape sensitivity, while the land south of Beaconhill (1) is identified as being less sensitive to change. The study identifies that there is limited scope for development northwest of Cramlington at Windmill Industrial Estate and Fisher Lane (A1068) (3), and that the setting of the River Blyth Valley (4) should be maintained.

Figure 77: Cramlington landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification

6.27 The agricultural land classification identifies that land surrounding Cramlington is Grade 3.

Figure 78: Cramlington agricultural land classification

6.28 More detailed analysis has been undertaken across much of the land surrounding Cramlington. Much of the South West Sector is Grade 3b, although there are small pockets of land of Grade 3a land. At South Cramlington Farm, southeast of Cramlington, agricultural land is identified as Grade 3b; as is land to the east of Cramlington at High Pit and East Cramlington Pond. Much of the land north of Cramlington between the River Blyth and the A192 is identified as Grade 3b, with some area of Grade 3a.

Figure 79: Cramlington detailed agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas

6.29 The entire Cramlington area is underlay by a coal and clay mineral resource, while a small sand and gravel mineral resource extends from East Hartford School to the A1061, partially aligned with Horton Burn.

Historic Housing Delivery and Land Take Up

Historic Housing Delivery

6.30 The Cramlington small area saw 19 completions over the period 2009-11. Approximately 90 dwellings were completed in Cramlington over the period 2004-09, with development at Tindale Avenue and Waymouth Northumbria.

Employment Land Take Up

6.31 From 1999 to 2014, 22.46ha of allocated employment land has been taken up across Cramlington, principally at Northumberland Business Park (C10) and Nelson Park West (C18). Over the same period 7.05ha has been lost to other land uses, largely at West Hartford (C24) and Northumberland Business Park (C10).

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

6.32 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period and beyond, across both the Cramlington small area and the settlement itself is set out below.

6.33 In addition to the 155 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area, with a capacity to accommodate an additional 3654 dwellings over the plan period are identified; a capacity for a further 870 dwellings beyond the plan period is also identified. All of the capacity is within or adjacent to the town of Cramlington.

Figure 80: Housing land availability in the small area and Cramlington No of dwellings Small Area Cramlington Completions 2011-15 155 153 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 892 873 Developable sites 6- 10 years 1546 1546 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 1066 1066 Developable sites year 16 150 150 Total 3809 3809 Developable sites beyond plan period 870 870

6.34 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 182 units across four

sites currently under construction, and 250 units forecast to be delivered on one site with extant planning permission.

6.35 Of those units on sites under construction, 118 are expected to be delivered at the former Officers Club site, Bassington Avenue (14/02894/REM). Of the units with extant permission 250 are expected to be delivered at the site south of Beacon Lane, Land to east of Fisher Lane (10/S/00473/FUL).

PDL/Greenfield

6.36 The SHLAA identifies that of the 3473 dwellings which may be accomodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 41 dwellings (1%) may be accommodated on 1.5ha of PDL, and 3432 (99%) on 234.4ha of greenfield land.

Figure 81: Cramlington SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

6.37 The total employment land available in Cramlington is 87.428ha. The majority of the land available is located at West Hartford Farm (C24) and at the South West Sector off Fisher Lane site (C23).

Figure 82: Allocated employment land availability in Cramlington Ref. Area Developed Available No Site Settlement (ha) (ha) (ha) Cramlington - C07 Bassington Cramlington 66.955 39.289 6.404

Ref. Area Developed Available No Site Settlement (ha) (ha) (ha) Cramlington - Northumberland C10 Business Park Cramlington 33.226 14.378 14.619 Cramlington - Nelson Park C18 West Cramlington 26.879 15.952 6.838 Cramlington - C20 Crosland Park Cramlington 6.792 2.798 3.063 Cramlington - C22 South Nelson Cramlington 15.717 7.94 2.688 Cramlington - West Hartford C24 Farm Cramlington 53.164 1.959 32.373 Cramlington - SW Sector off C23 Fisher Lane Cramlington 21.443 0 21.443 87.428

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

6.38 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 3,820 dwellings over the plan period. 6.39 The above information indicates that there not quite sufficient capacity on deliverable and developable sites within Cramlington to accommodate this scale of development. However, it is considered that the modest shortfall in supply can be met by the development small sites of under 5 units. Given that 155 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 3,665 dwellings. A strategic housing site is proposed in the South West Sector to assist in the delivery of housing in this area. 6.40 The Plan proposes a de-allocation of 27.97ha employment land off Fisher Lane (C23), the south east corner of Bassington (C07), and South Nelson (C22) leaving a total employment land allocation of 322.72h, with 54.38ha of available land 6.41 In addition the Plan allocates 15.95ha of strategic employment land at West Hartford Farm (C24). Of this strategic site, 13.19ha is available. Conclusion 6.42 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 3820 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy. 6.43 A lack of development in Cramlington in recent years has seen a reduction in the population, which, without a step-change in delivery, is projected to continue over the plan period. The level of development proposed will assist increasing the population, particularly the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, and support Cramlington’s role as a Main

Town in the South East Delivery Area, and as a sub-regional centre for industry. 6.44 Key constraints to delivery largely relate to the scale of development proposed. There are capacity constraints associated with the Howden waste water treatment works, and upgrades of junctions on the strategic highways are likely to be required. 6.45 The South West Sector of Cramlington is identified as an area of least constraint, and is identified as a strategic housing site in the emerging Northumberland Core Strategy. Other than the constraints identified above, development in this location will need to sensitive to the SSSI located to the south. An additional area of least constraint is identified north of the town centre.

7. Guidepost

Introduction

7.1 The settlement of Guidepost is in the South East Northumberland Delivery Area. Its close proximity to larger towns including Cramlington and Blyth, reduces its sphere of influence when compared to similar sized settlements elsewhere in the County. The small area is comprised of the Choppington parish alone.

Figure 83: Guidepost small area

Role and function

7.2 Guidepost is an important Service Centre for both residents and communities within neighbouring areas. Although Guidepost, Stakeford and Choppington do not benefit from allocated employment land, there is employment land in the extreme south of the small area although this is better related to Bedlington Station.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population Profile

7.3 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 9,787 usual residents in the Guidepost area; a decrease of 26 people since 2001.

7.4 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64

years) decreased from 64.1% to 61.8%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased from 17.6% to 20.9%.

Figure 84: Guidepost demographic profile

People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 9813 5.3% 12.9% 8.7% 28.6% 26.8% 11.0% 6.6% 2011 9787 5.7% 11.6% 9.2% 24.7% 27.9% 11.5% 9.4%

7.5 In 2011, the Guidepost area had a smaller proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a larger proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection

7.6 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Guidepost will decrease by 0.9% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 14.1%. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase, with a 54.7% increase in those aged over 75.

Figure 85: Guidepost population projection

Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population 2011 2031 Change Change as a % 0-15 1,701 1,636 -130 -7.6% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 5,693 4,890 -803 -14.1% 60/65-74 1,433 1,698 265 18.5% 75+ 934 1,445 511 54.7% Total 9,761 9,669 -92 -0.9%

Housing Profile

7.7 In 2011, 92.9% of properties in the Guidepost area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 58.9% of these in Band A.

7.8 The 2011 Census recorded 4,571 household spaces in Guidepost, an increase of 236 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 173, or 3.8% had no residents. In 2011, 68.4% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 20.4% in social rented housing and 11.2% in the private rented sector.

7.9 In 2011, 11.8% of households occupied properties with four or more

bedrooms, 36.4% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 51.8% have three bedrooms.

7.10 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Guidepost contains a larger proportion of low value properties, and few high value properties. The area is characterised by having a larger proportion of owner occupiers, and more households living in social rented properties. The housing stock is small with relative few large properties and more larger homes.

Economic activity

7.11 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 60.9% are in employment, 5.2% unemployed, and 19.4% retired.

7.12 The proportion of people in employment is lower in Ashington than Northumberland as a whole; however the unemployment rate and retirement rates are higher.

Constraints analysis

7.13 The wooded River Wansbeck forms the northern boundary to the settlements of Guidepost and Stakeford, while the A196 bi-sects both villages to the south. Willow Burn and woodland mark the southern settlement edge of Choppington, while woodland to the west of the village presents a further constraint to development. The A1068 bi-sects both Guidepost and Choppington.

Figure 86: Guidepost

Highways

7.14 Guidepost, Stakeford and Choppington are well connected to the A1068 and A196, with a roundabout located to the south of Guidepost linking the two roads. The A196 links the settlements to Morpeth in the west, while a single carriageway bridge provides access to Ashington in the north east. The A1068 leads to Bedlington to the south.

7.15 Junction improvements and possible widening may be required to accommodate a significant level of development in the vicinity of the A1068.

Flood Risk

7.16 While most of the town is not identified as at risk of fluvial flooding, the Sheepwash area northwest of Guidepost and aligned with the River Wansbeck is in Flood Zone 3. Much of the area aligned with the River Wansbeck extending west to east is also in Flood Zone 3; as are areas aligned with Hepscott Burn and Sleek Burn to the south. A significant number of pockets of land in the Guidepost area is identified as having a high Surface Water Flood Risk.

Figure 87: Guidepost Environment Agency Flood Risk

7.17 The SFRA identifies that the areas identified above are largely within the functional flood plain, in Flood Zone 3b.

Figure 88: Guidepost Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Water and sewerage capacity

7.18 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, or with Cambois WwTW, 7.19 The WCS also identifies that the sewer networks in Guidepost have no previous history of sewer flooding and that there are no capacity issues with the sewer networks in the area.

Natural Environment Designations

7.20 Guidepost contains a number of natural environment designations, many of which are aligned with the River Wansbeck north of the settlement. This area forms part of the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network, and includes LWGSs at Welbeck Wood, Choppington Wood, and Castle Island. Other designated areas are aligned with Sleek Burn, including an SSSI. Choppington Community Woods, a Local Nature Reserve covers a substantial area to the west of Choppington.

Figure 89: Guidepost natural environment designations

Built Heritage Designations

7.21 Glebe Farm and Old Rectory B, both located in the Sheepwash area to the northwest of Guidepost, are both listed buildings; as is St Pauls Church and the war memorial in Choppington to the south.

Figure 90: Guidepost built heritage designations

Open Space

7.22 A significant area of the Guidepost area is designated as open space with Cleaswellhill Park and woods located on the south bank River Wansbeck. To the southwest of Guidepost, Choppington Community Woods Nature Reserve is identified as natural and semi-natural green space; Winneyhill Plantation to the southeast is also semi-natural green space. A large area associated with the schools on Stakeford Lane is identified as outdoor sports facilities, together with the bowling green, tennis courts and recreation grounds to the east.

Figure 91: Guidepost green infrastructure and open space

Green Belt

7.23 While not extending to the built form of Guidepost, the Tyne and Wear Green Belt is to the west of the settlement, though given the gap between the settlement and the Green Belt it is not considered a constraint to development.

Figure 92: Green Belt – Guidepost

Agricultural Land Classification

7.24 Guidepost, Stakeford and Choppington are surrounded by Grade 3 agricultural land.

Figure 93: Guidepost agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas

7.25 The entire Guidepost area is underlay with a coal and clay mineral resource, while a sand and gravel mineral resource extends from the northwest to the northeast of Guidepost, aligned with the River Wansbeck. An additional sand and gravel mineral resource extends from the southwest of Guidepost and incorporates East Choppington and a section of High Street up to, but not including, the schools.

Historic Housing Delivery and Land Take Up

Historic Housing Delivery

7.26 The Guidepost small area saw 19 completions over the period 2009-11. Approximately 110 dwellings were completed in Guidepost over the period 2004-09, with a significant level of this development within Choppington.

Employment Land Take Up

7.27 From 1999 to 2014 there was no allocated employment land taken up or lost to other land uses in the Guidepost area.

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

7.28 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period across both the Guidepost small area and the settlement itself is set out below.

7.29 In addition to the 2 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area with a capacity to accommodate an additional 715 dwellings over the plan period are identified. Approximately 65% of the capacity is within or adjacent to Guidepost.

Figure 94: Housing land availability in the small area and Guidepost No of dwellings Small Area Guidepost Completions 2011-15 2 -2 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 5 0 Developable sites 6- 10 years 450 300 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 260 170 Developable sites year 16 0 0 Total 717 468 7.30 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a capacity of 5 units forecast to be delivered on one site with extant planning permission at Land adjacent to Tollgate House, Barrington Road (10/5/00019/OUT).

PDL/Greenfield

7.31 The SHLAA identifies that of the 715 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period, which are not under construction may be accommodated on 47.8ha of greenfield land.

Figure 95: Guidepost SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

7.32 There is no employment land available on the allocated sites (Barrington (F04), Barrington – Brickworks (F05) and West Sleekburn – Earth Balance (F21)) in the Guidepost small area.

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

7.33 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 380 dwellings over the plan period. 7.34 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within Guidepost to accommodate this scale of development. Given that 2 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 378 dwellings. Conclusion

7.35 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 380 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy. 7.36 A lack of development in Cramlington in recent years has seen a reduction in the population, which, without a step-change in delivery, is projected to continue over the plan period. The level of development proposed will assist

in increasing the population, particularly the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, and support Guidepost’s role as a Service Centre. 7.37 No prohibitive barriers to delivery are identified although local highway improvements may be required to accommodate a substantial level of development. 7.38 An area of least constraint is identified to the south of the settlement. Highway improvements may be required here, and development would need to consider to proximity of designated areas and surface water flood risk.

8. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Introduction

8.1 Newbiggin-by-the-Sea sits in the South East Northumberland Delivery Area. The small are is comprised of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parish alone.

Figure 96: Newbiggin by the Sea small area

Role and function

8.2 As one of a number of Service Centres in the South East Delivery Area, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea provides important services for both residents and communities within neighbouring areas. Given the close proximity of the larger towns, the sphere of influence of these settlements is limited. Other smaller settlements within the area also provide local services to their resident communities.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population Profile

8.3 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 6,308 usual residents in the Newbiggin area; an increase of 351 people since 2001.

8.4 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) decreased slightly from 61.7% to 60.8%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased from 20.2% to 20.6%.

Figure 97: Newbiggin demographic profile People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 5957 4.3% 13.8% 9.6% 25.3% 26.8% 11.4% 8.9% 2011 6308 6.3% 12.2% 10.4% 22.5% 27.9% 11.4% 9.2%

8.5 In 2011, the Newbiggin area had a smaller proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a larger proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection

8.6 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of Newbiggin will increase by 10.4% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease slightly by 0.1%. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase, with a 62.3% increase in those aged over 75.

Figure 98: Newbiggin population projection Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population Change 2011 2031 Change as a % 0-15 1,162 1,229 67 5.8% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 3,589 3,585 -4 -0.1% 60/65-74 965 1,201 236 24.5% 75+ 575 933 358 62.3% Total 6,291 6,948 657 10.4%

Housing Profile

8.7 In 2011, 98.0% of properties in the Newbiggin area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 84.7% of these in Band A.

8.8 The 2011 Census recorded 3,089 household spaces in Newbiggin, an increase of 261 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 236, or 7.6% had no residents. In 2011, 57.2% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 27.7% in social rented housing and 15.1% in the private rented sector.

8.9 In 2011, 9.7% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms, 37.3% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 53.0% have three bedrooms.

8.10 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, Newbiggin contains a significantly larger proportion of low value properties, and significantly less high value properties. The area is characterised by having fewer owner occupiers, and more households living in social rented properties. The housing stock is markedly smaller than the county as a whole with relatively few large homes.

Economic Profile

8.11 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 51.9% are in employment, 7.7% unemployed, and 19.7% retired.

8.12 The proportion of people in employment is lower in Newbiggin than Northumberland as a whole; however the unemployment rate and retirement rates are higher.

Constraints analysis

8.13 The North Sea forms the eastern settlement edge of Newbiggin, presenting a constraint to development to the east of the town. The A189 spine road is situated a little distance from the town but represents a constraint to the west.

Figure 99: Newbiggin

Highways

8.14 Newbiggin is well connected to the strategic road network, with the A197 and B1334 linking the town to the A189; connecting Newbiggin with Bedlington, Blyth, Cramlington and the Tyneside conurbation to the south, and Amble to the north. The A197 links Newbiggin to Ashington to the west.

8.15 Development is constrained to the north west of Newbiggin, where possible widening of the A197 and junction improvement may be required to support new development.

Flood Risk

8.16 While most of Newbiggin is not identified as at risk of fluvial flooding, there is a risk of coastal flooding with much of the area aligned with the coastline identified as being in Flood Zone 3. A small area between North Seaton Road and Spital Point is also in Flood Zone 3. Much of the Newbiggin area is identified as having a high surface water flood risk.

Figure 100: Newbiggin Environment Agency Flood Risk

8.17 The SFRA identifies a significant area of Newbiggin Moor, together with much of Alexandra Park and Manor Court as being within the functional flood plain, in Flood Zone 3b; as are areas along the coastline and at Spital Point, identified above. An area incorporating Manor Court and Manor Drive is in Flood Zone 3a. Again this is associated with coastal flooding.

Figure 101: Newbiggin Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Water and sewerage capacity

8.18 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, but that there are capacity constraints associated with Newbiggin WwTW, where surface water has resulted in limited headroom and the source of infiltration will be investigated.

8.19 The WCS also identifies that the sewer networks in Newbiggin have no previous history of sewer flooding, although there are capacity issues associated with the sewer networks to the northwest of the town. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in this location.

Natural Environment Designations

8.20 Newbiggin contains a number of natural environment designations, with much of the coastline protected by statutory designations. The length of the coastline is identified as a SSSI while the area not including the beach, is a designated a Marine Conservation Zone, a Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. Newbiggin Moor and Lynne Sands are identified as a LWGS. Much of the area around of the town is part of the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network.

Figure 102: Newbiggin natural environment designations

Built Heritage Designations

8.21 An area aligned with the promenade and Front Street is identified as a conservation area, in which a number of listed buildings and features are located, including Memorial Park, St Bartholomews Church and The Chapel. Additional listed buildings are located in Woodhorn, to the northeast of Newbiggin, while Woodhorn Colliery is a scheduled monument (SM).

Figure 103: Newbiggin built heritage designations

Open Space

8.22 Newbiggin contains a significant amount of open space, with a large area of parks and gardens incorporating Long Park, located in the vicinity of the Sports and Community Centre. Milburn Park is located to the south of Newbiggin, adjacent to the bowling green, with additional outdoor sports facilities associated with the Grace Darling Academy. A large area to the south of Newbiggin is identified as allotments, while a significant amount of amenity green space is identified throughout Newbiggin.

Figure 104: Newbiggin green infrastructure and open space

Landscape sensitivity

8.23 Settlement edges to the northeast (2) and south of Newbiggin are identified as being of high sensitivity to change, while the settlement boundary to the west (1) is identified as being suitable for enhancement through carefully sited infill development. A significant amount of green space has been identified in Newbiggin. The Key Impact Study indicates that the foreground to the southwest of the settlement (3) is sought to be maintained, preventing coalescence with Ashington.

Figure 105: Newbiggin landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification

8.24 The area to west of Newbiggin is identified as being Grade 3 agricultural land.

Figure 106: Newbiggin agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas

8.25 The entire Newbiggin area is underlay by a coal and clay mineral resource,

while a sand and gravel mineral resource is aligned with the coastline, extending up to but not including Beacon Point. An additional sand and gravel mineral resource located north of Newbiggin incorporates Lynemouth Power Station and Holy Brae Hill.

Historic Housing Delivery and Land Take Up

Historic Housing Delivery

8.26 The Newbiggin small area saw 12 completions over the period 2009-11. Approximately 110 dwellings were completed in Newbiggin over the period 2004-09, with a significant level of this development at The Carrs, Store Farm Road and Newbiggin Poultry Farm, while a significant level of demolitions occurred at Church Crest Estate and near Sea Crest Road.

Employment Land Take Up

8.27 From 1999 to 2014 there was no record of allocated employment land being taken up or lost in Newbiggin. However at Lynemouth – Alcan (F09), to the north of Newbiggin, 1.98ha of allocated employment land was taken up, while no allocated employment land was lost to other uses.

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

8.28 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period and beyond, across both the Newbiggin small area and the settlement itself is set out below.

8.29 In addition to the 6 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area, with a capacity to accommodate an additional 617 dwellings over the plan period are identified; a capacity for a further 27 dwellings beyond the plan period is also identified. All of the capacity is within or adjacent to the town of Newbiggin.

Figure 107: Housing land availability in the small area and Newbiggin No of dwellings Small Area Newbiggin Completions 2011-15 6 6 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 110 110 Developable sites 6- 10 years 269 269 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 238 238 Developable sites year 16 0 0 Total 623 650 Developable sites beyond the plan period 27 27

8.30 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 14 units on one site

currently under construction, and 12 units forecast to be delivered across two sites with extant planning permission.

8.31 Of the units on sites under construction, a site identified as New Dolphin Bungalow, Front Streets (11/02989/REM) is expected to deliver 14 units. Of the units with extant permission 6 are expected to be delivered at a site identified as Turning Tides, Link Road, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea (11/01075/FUL), while 6 units are expected to be delivered at Hunters Lodge Site, Oakwood Ave (12/00884/FUL).

PDL/Greenfield

8.32 The SHLAA identifies that of the 603 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 228 dwellings (40%) may be accommodated on 6.9ha of PDL, and 375 (60%) on 17.7ha of greenfield land.

Figure 108: Newbiggin SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

8.33 The total employment land available in Newbiggin is 0.302ha, all of which is located at the Woodhorn Road site (F20). Lynemouth – Alcan (F09) is located to the north of Newbiggin, although there is no employment land available at this site.

Figure 109: Allocated employment land availability in Newbiggin Ref. Area Developed Available No Site Settlement (ha) (ha) (ha) Not in a F09 Lynemouth - Alcan Settlement 124.132 67.075 0 Newbiggin by the Sea - Woodhorn Newbiggin-by- F20 Road the-Sea 0.302 0 0.302 0.302

Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

8.34 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 300 dwellings over the plan period.

8.35 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within Newbiggin to accommodate this scale of development. Given that 6 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 294 dwellings.

8.36 The plan proposes the de-allocation of 0.3ha employment land at Woodhorn Road (F20), and the de-allocation of 74.03ha of land at the Former Alcan Site (F09) in the north of the small area. At the Alcan site, 50.27ha of allocated employment land is proposed to be retained.

Conclusion

8.37 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 300 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy. 8.38 This level of development will assist in increasing the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, support regeneration, and support Newbiggin’s role as a Service Centre in the South East Delivery Area. 8.39 Key constraints to delivery is the current capacity of Newbiggin waste water treatment works, natural designations associated with the coast, and flood risk in some areas.

8.40 No particular areas of least constraint are identified. It may be expected that development may occur across a number of areas of the town.

9. Seaton Valley Introduction

9.1 Seaton Valley sits in the South East Northumberland Delivery Area. The small area is comprised of only the Seaton Valley parish. The small area contains the settlements of Seaton Delaval, Holywell, Seghill, New Hartley, Seaton Sluice. The southern boundary of the small area represents the administrative boundary with North Tyneside.

Figure 110: Seaton Delaval small area

Role and function

9.2 Seaton Delaval, together with the villages of New Hartley, Seghill, Holywell and Seaton Sluice provides important services for both residents and communities within neighbouring areas. Given the close proximity of the larger towns (particularly within the North Tyneside conurbation immediately to the south), the sphere of influence of these settlements is limited.

Demographic, economic and housing profile

Population Profile

9.3 The 2011 Census recorded that there were 15,422 usual residents in the Seaton Valley area; an increase of 373 people since 2001.

9.4 Over this period the proportion of the population of core working age (16- 64 years) decreased from 66.0% to 63.3%, while the proportion aged over 65 increased from 18.8% to 21.4%.

Figure 111: Seaton Valley demographic profile People aged 16 - 25 - 45 - 65 - 75 and Population 0 - 4 5 - 15 24 44 64 74 over 2001 15,049 4.9% 12.3% 11.2% 26.8% 28.0% 10.3% 8.5% 2011 15,422 4.4% 10.9% 9.3% 24.1% 29.9% 11.8% 9.6%

9.5 In 2011, the Seaton Valley area had a larger proportion of its population of working age than the County as a whole, and a larger proportion aged over 65 years.

Population Projection

9.6 When applied at the local level, the 2012 based Sub-national Population Projections indicate that the population of the Seaton Valley will increase by 4.5% between 2011 and 2031. Over this period, the number of people of core working age is projected to decrease by 10.5%. In contrast, the population aged over 65 years is projected to increase markedly, with a 76.5% increase in those aged over 75.

Figure 112: Seaton Valley population projection

Projected population change 2011 - 2031 Age Group Population Population Population 2011 2031 Change Change as a % 0-15 2,338 2,244 -94 -4.0% 16-59 (female)/ 64 (male) 9,125 8,163 -962 -10.5% 60/65-74 2,461 3,064 603 24.5% 75+ 1,498 2,644 1,146 76.5% Total 15,422 16,115 693 4.5%

Housing Profile

9.7 In 2011, 85.7% of properties in the Seaton Valley area were in Council Tax Bands A to C, with 57.2% of these in Band A.

9.8 The 2011 Census recorded 7,341 household spaces in Seaton Valley, an increase of 360 since 2001. Of these household spaces, 207, or 2.8% had no residents. In 2011, 66.2% of households were living in owner occupied properties, 23.0% in social rented housing and 10.7% in the private rented sector.

9.9 In 2011, 13.3% of households occupied properties with four or more bedrooms, 42.9% of homes had fewer than three bedrooms, and 43.8% have three bedrooms.

9.10 In comparison to Northumberland as a whole, the Seaton Valley contains a larger proportion of low value properties and fewer high value properties. The area is characterised by having more owner occupiers, and more households living in social rented properties. The housing stock is relatively small, with few larger properties.

Economic Profile

9.11 Amongst the population aged 16 to 74, 61.3% are in employment, 4.2% unemployed, and 20.3% retired.

9.12 The proportion of people in employment and in retirement is higher in the Seaton Valley than Northumberland as a whole; however the unemployment rate is lower.

Constraints analysis

9.13 While the Green Belt forms the most significant constraint to development in the Seaton Valley area, separating the area from North Tyneside. The North Sea forms a natural constraint to the east.

Figure 113: Seaton Valley

Highways

9.14 The Seaton Valley area is well connected to the strategic road network, with the A190 linking the coast and much of the Seaton Valley area to the A189; connecting the area to Blyth, Bedlington and Ashington. The A189 and A192 provide access to North Tyneside to the south, while the B1326 links Seaton Delaval to Cramlington. The A193 connects Seaton Sluice with Blyth.

9.15 Development is constrained along Double Row to the north of Seaton Delaval, where a roundabout linking Double Row and the A192 is close to capacity, while improvements along the A192 may be required to accommodate new development northwest and south east of Seaton Delaval. To the north of Seaton Delaval, a roundabout connects the A190 and A192.

Flood Risk

9.16 While most of the Seaton Valley area is not identified as at risk of fluvial flooding, an area aligned with Seaton Burn extending west to east has been identified as being in Flood Zone 3; as is the coastline. Significant areas of the Seaton Valley area has been identified as having a high surface water flood risk.

Figure 114: Seaton Valley Environment Agency Flood Risk

9.17 The SFRA identifies that the areas identified above are largely within the functional flood plain, in Flood Zone 3b.

Figure 115: Seaton Valley Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Water and sewerage capacity

9.18 The detailed WCS identifies that there are no capacity constraints associated with water resources from Kielder WRZ, but that there are capacity constraints associated with Howdon WwTW.

9.19 The WCS also identifies that the sewer networks within the west and to the north of the Seaton Delaval have a historic record of sewer flooding, while it is indicated that there are likely to be capacity issues with sewer networks to the north and northwest of Seaton Delaval, northeast of Holywell and northeast of New Hartley. Further investigation and possible infrastructure upgrades may be required in these locations.

Natural Environment Designations

9.20 Seaton Valley contains a number of natural environment designations, many of them associated with the coast. Much of the coast is a SSSI, while the rocky shoreline to the south of South Beach is a designated Special Protection Area. Holywell Pond Nature Reserve is designated a SSSI; as is a small area adjacent to East View, northwest of New Hartley. Northwest of Seaton Delaval is a Local Nature Reserve and a Northumberland Wildlife Trust Reserve, and a LWGSs. Significant areas are located with the South East Northumberland Wildlife Network.

Figure 116: Seaton Valley natural environment designations

Built Heritage Designations

9.21 A conservation area extends from the North Tyneside border to Lysdon Burn, incorporating much of the agricultural landscape and Seaton Delaval Hall. This area also incorporates Sandy Island and Crag Point to the east and an area aligned with The Avenue. A second conservation area covers a small area of Holywell and incorporates Holywell Bridge, Bank Top Piggery, Dale Top and Manor House. Registered parks and gardens are identified as being aligned along The Avenue, incorporating Seaton Delaval Hall and its estate. A number of listed buildings and features are located in both conservation areas.

Figure 117: Seaton Valley built heritage designations

Open Space

9.22 Seaton Valley contains a significant area of open space. Areas aligned with the coastline, East Cramlington Pond to the northeast of Seaton Delaval and Holywell Pond Nature Reserve to the east are identified as natural and semi- natural green space; as is Holywell Dene, aligned with Seaton Burn to the south. Outdoor sports facilities located in Seaton Delaval include the football ground at Wheatridge Park, playing fields to the south of the settlement. Recreation grounds are located in, while additional outdoor sports facilities are associated with or in the vicinity of the schools.

Figure 118: Seaton Valley green infrastructure and open space

Green Belt

9.33 The Tyne and Wear Green Belt surrounds the settlements in the Seaton Valley, which are inset. The Green Belt represents a significant constraint to development with limited land available. The Green Belt in this area prevents merger of settlements and the Tyne and Wear conurbation.

Figure 119: Green Belt

Landscape sensitivity

9.34 The agricultural landscape to the north of Seaton Delaval (1) is identified as being of high sensitivity to change due to its proximity to Seaton Delaval Hall and its estate. This area is also part of the Tyne and Wear Green Belt, and incorporates Holywell Pond Nature Reserve. Areas located west of Redholme and Wheatridge (2) are identified as being of low landscape sensitivity, while a significant area of Seaton Delaval is identified as green space.

Figure 120: Seaton Valley landscape sensitivity

Agricultural Land Classification

9.35 Agricultural land in the area of Seaton Valley is identified as Grade 3.

Figure 121: Seaton Valley agricultural land classification

9.36 More detailed analysis has been undertaken across some of the land in the Seaton Valley area. Land adjacent to the railway line at East View is identified as Grade 3a agricultural land, while to the north of Seaton Delaval, land is identified as being a mix of Grade 3a and Grade 3b.

Figure 122: Seaton Valley detailed agricultural land classification

Mineral Resource Areas

9.37 The entire Seaton Valley area is underlay by a coal and clay mineral resource, while a sand and gravel mineral resource is aligned with the coastline to the north of Seaton Sluice.

Historic Housing Delivery and Land Take Up

Historic Housing Delivery

9.38 The Seaton Valley small area saw 135 completions over the period 2009-11. Approximately 110 dwellings were completed in Seaton Valley over the period 2004-09, with a significant level of this development in Seaton Delaval, Seghill and New Hartley.

Employment Land Take Up

9.39 From 1999 to 2014 there was no allocated employment land taken up in Seaton Valley, while 0.6ha of allocated employment land was lost to other uses at Seghill (C15).

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

9.40 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development over the plan period across both the Seaton Valley small area and the settlement of Seaton Delaval is set out below.

9.41 In addition to the 249 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area with a capacity to accommodate an additional 683 dwellings over the plan period are identified. Approximately 59% of the capacity is within or adjacent to the settlement of Seaton Delaval.

Figure 123: Housing land availability in the small area and Seaton Delaval No of dwellings Small Area Seaton Delaval Completions 2011-15 249 243 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 342 258 Developable sites 6- 10 years 216 0 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 125 49 Developable sites year 16 0 0 Total 932 550

9.42 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 494 units across five sites currently under construction, and 5 units forecast to be delivered on one site with extant planning permission.

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9.43 Of those units on sites under construction, Land to the Rear of Wheatfields, Seaton Delaval (12/03825/FUL) is expected to deliver 190 units, while a site at Wheatridge Park, Seaton Delaval (07/00076/RES) is expected to deliver 189 units. Of the units with extant permission 5 are expected to be delivered on the Former Wilson and Young site, Boundary Way, Seaton Sluice (14/00679/FUL).

PDL/Greenfield

9.44 The SHLAA identifies that of the 449 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 12 dwellings (3%) may be accommodated on 0.3ha of PDL, and 437 (97%) on 17.7ha of greenfield land.

Figure 124: Seaton Valley SHLAA sites

Employment land availability

9.45 The total employment land available in the Seaton Valley area is 2.784ha, with the majority of the land available located at the Seghill (C15) site.

Figure 125: Allocated employment land availability in Seaton Valley Ref. Developed Available No Site Settlement Area (ha) (ha) (ha) Seaton Delaval - Double Seaton C12 Row Delaval 12.035 10.193 0.27 C15 Seghill Seghill 4.724 1.939 2.514 2.784

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Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

9.46 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 780 dwellings over the plan period. 9.47 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within the Seaton valley to accommodate this scale of development. While the majority of this capacity is in the larger settlement of Seaton Delaval, there is significant capacity in other settlements without requiring Green Belt deletion. Some of this capacity is on land specifically excluded from the Green Belt to allow for future development. Given that 249 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 531 dwellings. 9.48 The plan proposes the de-allocation of 3.96ha employment land at the far SE edge of Seaton Delaval-Double Row site (C12), and Seghill (C15), leaving a total employment land allocation of 23.1ha, with 1.37ha of available land. Conclusion 9.49 The SLR identifies that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the 780 dwellings proposed in the Northumberland Core Strategy. 9.50 This level of development will assist in arresting the decline in the size of the working age population, enable a greater mix of housing, and support Seaton Delaval, and other neighbouring settlements as a Service Centre in the South East Delivery Area. 9.51 The Green Belt is the most significant constraint to development, however there is sufficient land in appropriate locations to accommodate the level of development proposed. Limited capacity at the Howden waste water treatment works is also constraint to delivery. The area to the east of Seaton Delaval is constrained by its landscape being of high sensitivity to change, and being associated with Seaton Delaval Hall. 9.52 No large areas of least constraint area identified. Significant areas to the north of Seaton Delaval already benefit from planning consent, while New Hartley was land outwith the Green Belt with capacity to accommodate development.

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10. Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area

Introduction 10.1 The Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area covers an area extending from Lynemouth up to Amble. The small area includes the villages of Broomhill Togston, Ellington, South Broomhill, Hadston, Lynemouth, Stobswood, Ulgham and Widdrington Station and comprises of 9 parishes which are listed below in Figure X.

Figure 126: Parishes contained within Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area Cresswell Togston East Chevington Ulgham Ellington & Linton Widdrington Station & Stobswood Hauxley Widdrington Village Lynemouth

Historic Housing Delivery

10.2 The Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area small area saw 85 completions over the period 2009-11.

The availability of land for housing and employment

Housing Land Availability

10.3 The capacity of identified sites to accommodate residential development across the Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area small area is set out below.

10.4 In addition to the 64 units completed between 2011 and 2015, sites across the small area, with a capacity to accommodate an additional 2104 dwellings over the plan period are identified; a capacity for a further 10 dwellings beyond the plan period is also identified.

Figure 127: Housing land availability in Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area

No. of dwellings in Rest of SE Delivery Area Completions 2011-15 64 Deliverable sites 0 – 5 years 133 Developable sites 6 – 10 years 1345 Developable sites 11 – 15 years 596 Developable sites year 16 30 Total 2168 Developable beyond the plan period 10

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10.5 The Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area small area saw 64 completions over the period 2011-15. Of those units completed, 22 were delivered at The Willows, Public House, Widdrington Station (CM/20100585), 12 units were delivered on Land at former American Air Filters, Linton (CM/20070062) and 10 units were delivered at the Former Denecroft Care Home, Park Road, Lynemouth (06/D/0129).

10.6 Included in the table above, are dwellings forecast to be delivered on sites with planning consent. The Council’s Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites (2015-2020) document identifies a remaining capacity of 45 units across three sites currently under construction, and 18 units on one site with extant planning permission.

10.7 Of those units on sites under construction, Land east of Togston Court, Togston Road, North Broomhill (13/02828) is expected to deliver 31 units. Of the units with extant permission, 18 are expected to be delivered at Nordstrom House, North Broomhill (CM/20090540 & 13/00968/VARYCO).

10.8 A further site identified as Hazeldene (land adjacent to), Grange Road with a capacity for 10 units was granted planning consent after the base date of 1 April 2015.

PDL/Greenfield

10.9 The SHLAA identifies that of the 2065 dwellings which may be accommodated on deliverable and developable sites over the plan period which are not under construction, approximately 752 dwellings (36%) may be accommodated on 65.6ha of PDL, and 1313 (64%) on 63.6ha of greenfield land.

Employment land availability

10.10 The total employment land available in the Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area is 20.978ha, with the majority of the land available located at Ellington – Former Colliery (D20).

Figure 128:Allocated employment land availability in Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area Ref. Developed No Site Settlement Area (ha) (ha) Available (ha)

D01 Hadston Hadston 4.906 2.684 1.592

Ellington – Not in a D20 Former Colliery Settlement 20.506 0.956 19.386 20.978

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Proposed requirements for housing and employment land

10.11 The Pre-submission Core Strategy proposes a housing requirement of 780 dwellings over the plan period. 10.12 The above information indicates that there is sufficient capacity within Rest of South East Northumberland Delivery Area to accommodate this scale of development. Given that 64 units have already been completed between 2011and 2015, the housing requirement for the remainder of the plan period is 716 dwellings. 10.13 The plan proposes to retain the 3.06ha of allocated land for employment use, and the de-allocation of 27.31ha across three sites, primarily the former Ellington Colliery site. At the Hadston site there is 0.37ha of available land.

Figure 129: Employment land in the Rest of South East Delivery Area Allocated sites Area (ha) De-allocated sites Area (ha) Ellington Colliery (D20) 1.06 Ellington Colliery (D20) 19.44 Hadston* (D01) 2.00 Hadston (D01) 2.90 Linton (D15) 4.97 Total 3.06 Total 27.31

Accommodating the level of development proposed 10.14 While the Northumberland Core Strategy does not provide housing numbers to settlements below Service Centre level, in order to demonstrate where the level of development may be accommodated the below capacity information is for information only.

Figure 129: Capacity of sites in settlement in the Rest of South East Delivery Area Settlement Yield 0-16 years

Broomhill 72 Ellington 879 Hadston 342 High Hauxley 17 Linton 5 Lynemouth 233 Stobswood 147 Togston 61 Widdrington 86 Widdrington Station 262

10.15 The above numbers from the SHLAA indicate that in some settlements there is significant capacity for housing development. However, it is not necessarily considered appropriate that this scale of development is accommodated in these settlements. As identified above, a significant element of the capacity within the area is made up of previously developed land; this in principally in Ellington and Lynemouth so it may be appropriate that these settlements

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accommodate a major element of the housing in the area.

Conclusion

10.16 Given that the capacity of sites far exceeds the housing requirement for the Rest of South East Delivery Area, it is considered that the remaining 716 dwellings of the housing requirement may be accommodated across the Rest of South East Delivery in a manner consistent with sustainable development principles and the spatial distribution policy of the Northumberland Core Strategy. These principles indicate that for settlements other than Main Towns and Service Centres, development will be allowed which doesn’t impact on its character, is of an appropriate size, maintains or enhances local services and facilities, meets identified needs and protects the countryside from widespread new development.

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