Northumberland College plans approved

Posted by The Journal on Nov 17, 08 03:09 PM in News

Plans for a new ÃÂ£50m home for Northumberland college have been approved, subject to Secretary of State intervention.

Wansbeck Council's regulatory committee backed an outline planning application for the relocation of Northumberland College to the site of the former Ashington Hospital.

The Ashington Hospital Site- aerial view

But because the application represents a departure from Wansbeck's local plan it will now have to be referred to the Secretary of State.

If the application is called in, a public inquiry would be held and the Secretary of State would make the final decision.

The approval of the 21st century state-of-the-art new campus came despite concerns being voiced about traffic accessing the town centre site.

The development will replace the college's current Ashington home which was built more than 50 years ago.

Planning permission has already been granted for the building of houses there once the college vacates the site.

College principal and chief executive Rachel Ellis-Jones said last night: "This is great news for the college and the people of Ashington.

"This new campus, part of a ÃÂ£100m new build programme which includes a new campus for Berwick and major developments at Kirkley Hall, will bring world class learning facilities to south-east Northumberland.

"The former hospital site will be transformed with a scheme which will create many jobs and hopefully spark the further regeneration of the town centre.

"The next step is to work on the design and build process with a view to work starting on site next summer, and opening in September 2011."

The campus has been designed around a central pedestrian arcade with some facilities such as hairdressing and a training restaurant open to the public. 400 car parking spaces will be provided.

Sports facilities for the college will be provided at other locations in the town, possibly Hirst Welfare.

Wansbeck planning officer Jennie Adamson said: "The requirements of the college are for a high standard, welcoming building that would raise students' aspirations; an accessible arcade 'shop window' to demonstrate the college's activities and functional departmental arrangements all under one roof; and for a suitable design that takes account of renewable technology."

The site was chosen following detailed consideration of nine Ashington sites. The new building has been designed to minimise its impact on surrounding residential streets.

Coun Alex Wallace said: "The college has made its home in Ashington for more than 50 years and I am proud that it has chosen to stay in the town."

Outline planning permission had previously been granted to build 137 houses on the hospital site.

The college application is the second major development to be approved for Ashington town centre within a matter of days.

Last week the same committee approved ASDA's planning application to develop a ÃÂ£25 million store at Portland Park, the former home of Ashington Football Club.

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