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Plans unveiled for £60m Bedlington housing development

Plans for a new housing development in Bedlington could provide a major boost for the South East Northumberland economy and create 150 jobs, should the £59.6m investment proposal gain approval.

This is according to North East estate agents and surveyors GSC Grays, the firm leading on the scheme.

Should approval be granted for the development, situated to the north of The Chesters Bedlington, the regenerated land could provide up to 500 dwellings, generate New Homes Bonus payments of over £4m and boost Council Tax revenues by £740k a year.

The Newcastle office of national planning, design and economics consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) has been appointed to handle the planning process.

Michael Hepburn, senior director at NLP, said: “It is proposed that the development will comprise approximately 500 new homes including associated infrastructure, open spaces, access and parking.

“The development will feature a range of attractive houses with a mix of type and tenure to meet local needs providing a genuine choice for all ages of existing and new residents.”

Mr Hepburn added: “Northumberland County Council aims to deliver 24,320 new dwellings between 2011-2031. Within the South East Northumberland Delivery Area, the requirement is set out as 12,840 dwellings across this period.

“This proposed development is therefore wholly in line with the strategy which wants to accommodate most growth in main town such as Bedlington.”

If approved by the county council the development may well produce a financial boost to local schools and GP surgeries.

A public consultation on the plans will be held at Bedlington Salvation Army Centre, Hartford Road West, Bedlington on Wednesday 16 November, 2016, between 3pm and 7pm.

As well as NLP representatives from GSC Grays project team will be available to discuss the proposals and answer any questions.