Beach café site could bring parking relief to Northumberland seaside village expecting influx of visitors
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The potential for creating 55 parking spaces on a proposed development site near Beadnell beach is being investigated by Northumberland County Council.
Windsor Developments, which is planning the café, is understood to be prepared to allow the site to be used for temporary parking until it is in a position to begin building works.
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Hide AdAt a meeting of Beadnell Parish Council, Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson revealed he had spoken to Stephen Dixon, managing director of Windsor Developments.
“I’ve spoken to him and he is open to the idea,” said Cllr Renner-Thompson, Bamburgh ward county councillor.
"He thinks the 56 days currently permitted without planning is inadequate because they can’t see themselves starting work perhaps for another six months so he would like something from the council to say it would be okay for a temporary car park until work begins. I have taken that back to the head of planning and he is looking into it.”
The update was welcomed by parish councillors who expect a repeat of last summer’s post-lockdown period when the village, along with other coastal areas, was besieged by staycation visitors.
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Hide AdCllr Alison Nation, chairman, said: “That sounds very promising. Those 55 spaces that would certainly assist in the busy period.”
Meanwhile, changes have been made at the beach car park to make it safer and more accessible.
The boat launch has been moved next to the gate to stop the constant movement of tractors and boats through the car park, which is often filled with families with young children running about.
Disabled parking bays have also been moved so they won't keep getting covered by sand, making them less visible and slippery.
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Hide AdCllr Renner-Thompson admitted there had been a mixed response.
“Some people have said it is great but others have commented on the disabled bays being put further away from the beach,” he said.
The county council has said it is open to all feedback and will review the situation if significant issues emerge from the new arrangement.