Shipping containers enforcement action put on hold pending potential fresh planning application

Plans by Box Restaurant Group for a café and bar on the site were withdrawn in the autumn after planners at Northumberland County Council advised that it would be refused.

The council’s enforcement team was notified with a view to getting shipping containers removed from the site but that is now on hold pending a potential fresh application.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, local ward member, said: "I want us to put pressure on and make sure there is a timescale on that because what’s to stop these discussions going on for years and the containers still being there?

“The applicant must be willing to engage with planners to try and come up with a different plan. If so, I would push to have the new application soon – three months or six months tops, otherwise we want these things shifted.”

A resident had asked about the possibility of creating a dementia garden there but members felt this could be a decision for the landowner, Bamburgh Castle Estates.

“It's private land so it’s up to them what they do with the walled garden in the future,” said Cllr Barbara Brook, parish council chairman.

Meanwhile, the parish council has agreed to increase its precept by £1,000 in 2021/22 to ensure sufficient funds are available for planned projects.

Cllr Brook, said: “I think there might be quite a few projects, like the beach wheelchairs hut and perhaps a refresh of the play park.”

A working group has been organised to assess and advise of necessary improvements at the play park.

The village’s Christmas lights team was thanked by the parish council for its work.

“They’ve done a great job,” said Cllr Brook. “I am quite sure we are the envy of many villages in north Northumberland.”

Three new streetlamps have been installed on Radcliffe Road and will be connected within six weeks. The project has been funded through Cllr Renner-Thompson’s small schemes fund as county councillor.

Repairs on the steps to the lighthouse have been scheduled for January 13-15.

Kate Morton was welcomed as a new parish councillor. Among her first tasks will be to try and progress hopes for a path between Bamburgh and Glororum.

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