Ponteland mechanics' workshop plan approved despite concerns

Ben Lomas had applied for planning permission from Northumberland County Council to change the use of an existing agricultural shed into a commercial mechanical workshop.

The proposals, which would also see a new agricultural store built on land adjacent to Jackson Avenue, came before members of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Committee on Monday.

Speaking at the meeting, Coun Karen Overbury of Ponteland Town Council outlined the concerns of her colleagues and families in Jackson Avenue.

She said: “Ponteland is a small town, our residents are aware of the need for businesses, which bring jobs and people into the town. We have a busy industrial estate close to the shops, but away from homes.

“Ponteland Town Council welcomes the right business in the right place, but this is not the right place. We do not believe that the proposal for the land is appropriate for a primarily residential area.

“The estate has narrow roads and limited footpaths. Residents are concerned about the nature of the plans – these are their homes. They are concerned about increased noise and road safety for all residents, including young children who walk to school. ”

But county councillors felt they should support a local business and were happy to go with the recommendation of council planners, which was to give the proposals a green light.

Coun Mary Murphy said: “I sympathise with the town council and with what the residents are saying, but everybody says they’re in support of business until it’s near them, and then nobody wants to know.

“We need businesses within our towns. I think this is operating within reasonable hours, it’s not an unreasonable business. We have got to get behind our businesses at this time of financial crisis.”

Local ward member Coun Richard Dodd added: “This is in my division and I have some sympathy with those who say traffic and noise will be an issue, but it is an agricultural thing.

“Jackson Avenue is a narrow road but that’s where it is and it’s been there for a long, long time. I can’t go against the recommendation of the officers.”

The plans were unanimously approved by councillors.