Architect 'softens appearance' of proposed Northumberland beach café plan in effort to overcome objections

Windsor Developments has submitted an amended drawing ‘to soften the appearance’ of the proposed £1million development at Beadnell Bay.

Tim Bailey, head of practice at Newcastle-based xsite architecture, said: “There are three key changes that have been made in response to commentary received from residents and statutory consultees during the planning application.

“We have suggested a change of cladding material to timber to soften the appearance of the building and be reflective of the beachside shack or hut, the balustrade to the first floor terraces is now post and yacht wire rather than glass to reduce visual impact and there is more soft landscaping to the front of the building to enhance its year round setting.

“In addition adjustments have been made to the highways scheme and servicing arrangements.

"Meanwhile the tender evaluation is now underway by John Johnson’s team at Ashdan, pending consent being obtained to the revised planning application, so that a contractor can be appointed as soon as possible."

The developers are planning a surfer style bar and takeaway for light meals with an open courtyard and a seated firepit at ground floor level and more formal dining space upstairs.

The latest amendments have received support from the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, although concerns remain.

AONB officer Sarah Winlow stated: ‘The applicant has addressed some of the design concerns by changing some of the materials and the colour pallette of the building. The building will be clad in timber of a light hue that will blend better with its location.

‘In regard to the first floor terraces, outside kitchen, fixed seating area and fire pit, the AONB Partnership maintains its position that this will be underused in colder and damper months of the year.’

However, Andy Brown of campaign group Beadnell Under Threat said the retention of the stark, dark-profiled steel cladding is the main objection, describing it as a ‘sore thumb scenario’.

Beadnell Parish Council has previously objected to the proposal with concerns about the proposed materials.

It is envisaged the scheme would create 10 to 15 full-time jobs and around 30 part-time jobs.

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