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Planning officers who cover the west areas of Northumberland will be located in a new office from Wednesday 6th June.
The move comes as Northumberland County Council is rationalising its office accommodation in Hexham, and is selling the Grade II* listed Old Grammar School where the planning team has been located for a number of years.
The team is moving to the council’s Hadrian House office on Market Street, which is fully accessible and where developers and individuals who wish to discuss planning matters will be able to see officers by appointment.
The west area development management team covers applications and planning issues for all of the former Tynedale areas, plus Ponteland, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Stamfordham, Whalton, Belsay, Capheaton and Matfen.
Councillor Tom Brechany is the executive member responsible for planning at Northumberland County Council. He says: “We are progressively modernising our planning processes and procedures with a view to providing a more efficient system, as well as value for money.
“As part of rationalising and making best use of office accommodation in our main market towns the west area planning team is moving to Hadrian House. The building is fully accessible and has private interview facilities which can be used with people who wish to make appointments with our officers.
“We will do everything that we can to ensure a smooth transition to this new base, but would apologise for any disruption to the service during the move.”
The Hexham move is taking place on Friday June 1st and appointments to discuss particular planning applications with the planning case officers who cover the west area from that date onwards should be made by phone to 01670 622625 or by email to West.Planning@northumberland.gov.uk
The west area team’s postal address remains unchanged at: Northumberland County Council, Planning Department, Hadrian House, Market Street, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3NH .
The council’s development management service deals with all applications for planning permission for new development including new buildings, extensions, change of use of buildings and land, advertisement and work to protect trees.
Proposals for strategically significant schemes, renewable energy schemes and minerals and waste developments are dealt with by the central team based at County Hall.
The council has very comprehensive information online about planning matters – which can be viewed at www.northumberland.gov.uk/planning
Planning applications can be viewed online on the council’s website via its PublicAccess service. Comments on current planning applications can also be submitted directly through PublicAccess, via email to Central.Planning@northumberland.gov.uk or in writing to County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF
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