3,000sqft convenience store proposed at Northumberland’s new housing project

A 3,000 sqft convenience store on the site of the former Bellingham Auction Mart in Northumberland is on the cards.

As per recent local reports, plans for a new convenience store on the site of a proposed housing development have been submitted to housing development company Maple Oak which is set to transform the former Bellingham Auction Mart with 60 new homes.

The proposed store will be located on the northern boundary of the housing development, on the B6320 Otterburn Road.

“Local shops are a focal point for communities. The proposed development would serve the local community in the surrounding area, enhancing the local retail offer rather than having to rely on more distant retail areas which would generally necessitate using a private vehicle or public transport,” A design and access statement report prepared on behalf of Redfern Properties said.

“The development is small scale and as such, would not compete with established shopping areas.”

The proposed housing project  includes a mix of two and three bedroomed houses, two bedrooms bungalows, and one and two bedroomed apartments.

There would be a mix of affordable rented homes (61 per cent), Rent to Buy/Shared Ownership units (12 per cent) and Supported Housing (27 per cent).

There are 15 parking spaces proposed, including two which are accessible. Cycle bays would also be provided close to the entrance.

A planned opening date of 2023 for the store is given in a travel plan statement submitted alongside the application.