A resounding and well examined rejection of proposed housing off Wansbeck Road
The response of Ashington Town Council to the outline planning application for 186 units on land west of Wansbeck Road, put forward by Banks Group, is a very clear no. The message to Northumberland County Council Planning is that they must uphold their own recently adopted Northumberland Local Plan, which this proposed development is outside of.
Over 130 members of the public attended the Extra-Ordinary Full Council meeting on 7th February, to hear this single agenda item, with several speakers voicing sound material reasons for their objections.
Chair of Ashington Town Council, Cllr Mark Purvis opened the meeting and covered formalities. Bothal Ward Cllr, Lynne Grimshaw, thanked the Chair on behalf of Bothal Ward Cllrs and residents for calling the Extra-Ordinary Meeting. Cllr Grimshaw stated clearly and simply that she would be objecting to the proposed development on the basis that the newly adopted Northumberland Local Plan includes housing provision up to 2036, which the proposed development is outside of and that it is outside of the settlement boundary. Cllr Grimshaw concluded that there was no reason to overdeliver on housing and therefore no justification for building on this land.
It was clear from the applause that the room was in full agreement and as is provided for on every Council agenda, the Chair invited those members of the public who wished to speak.
Resident, Andy McGregor was first and offered knowledgeable insights about the site and it’s biodiversity, as well as thoughts on development being more community-led. Mr McGregor described the proposal as speculative and driven by money rather than by any established housing need, or consideration of the town of Ashington and its infrastructure.
Ashington student and elected representative of the UK Youth Parliament for Northumberland, Jack Brodie, implored members to think about the health and wellbeing of young people. Specifically in relation to enjoying their environment without increased traffic congestion to and from their place of learning, the effects of building works and the impact of the development on natural habitat. MYP Jack Brodie addressed the House of Commons in November last year seeking more action on Climate Change and Environmental issues.
Longstanding resident Ian Leech conveyed road safety concerns, describing the roadway being exactly as it was many years ago, despite the immense increase in vehicles being driven. He described that the development would result more than 300 additional vehicles, not to mention construction traffic during the build, on a road that was reduced to a single lane during peak times.
Recently relocated resident Eva Murray expressed significant concerns about the impact of the development, particularly the five-year construction phase, on the mental health and well-being of residents. With reference to noise and light pollution, weekend and evening working, and increased traffic, this would have a significant and lasting effect of the quality of life of residents and their ability to ‘enjoy where they live’.
Resident Tony Dodds was tasked with summing up the concerns of residents who had understandably come together to speak out against the proposed development. As well as summarising, Mr Dodds rebuked any real justification or demand for the development and argued that those put forward by the developer were ‘pitiful’ and would not create jobs or economic investment in the town. Challenging the benefit of increased income from council tax, Mr Dodds contended that the cost of providing services far outweighed the additional council tax received.
Two further residents spoke out against the development, one asking for consistency in the application of the adopted Northumberland Local Plan, which had been used recently to refuse a development in near-by Bedlington as it was outside of the housing need requirements therein.
The final speaker from the floor said that he was speaking on behalf of the many and varied wildlife on the site, describing the area as a breeding ground for frogs and reptiles who had no voice. Adding that a survey of the pond would prove what local people know, and desperately want to protect.
Following the marked end of public participation by Chair, Cllr Mark Purvis, Cllrs Michelle Brannigan and Bob Walkinshaw echoed the environmental concerns that had been voiced. Cllr Brannigan focusing on climate concerns and the loss of arable land, and Cllr Walkinshaw on the natural habitats and living things that would be destroyed. Cllr Bob Walkinshaw moved that the Council formally object to the proposal, this was seconded by Leader, Cllr John Tully, and agreed unaminously.
Cllr Tully thanked residents for attending the meeting and for their well thought views and concerns, and encouraged everyone to continue to make their objections to Northumberland County Council, wishing them luck and confirming the full support of the Council.
Cllr Mark Purvis closed the meeting that had been held at Bothal Primary School.
