Architecture firm lands five planning approvals

A North East architecture firm has secured planning approval for five developments across Northumberland in just one week, paving the way for new leisure facilities, housing and a specialist veterinary hospital.

Architects-Group has received the green light for projects in Swarland, Morpeth, Amble, Whalton and Thropton, supporting investment in the county’s tourism, leisure and residential sectors.

Among the largest schemes is a new leisure hub and 180 holiday lodges at Percy Woods Holiday Lodge resort in Swarland, which secured approval following a planning appeal.

The development is expected to strengthen Northumberland’s visitor economy, adding new accommodation and leisure facilities.

Meanwhile, Morpeth Golf Club has received permission to install two padel courts on its practice area to the west of the clubhouse, expanding its sporting offer.

In Amble, approval has been granted for a specialist veterinary emergency and referral hospital, designed to ease pressure on existing practices and provide additional treatments and services.

The firm’s residential projects include the conversion of two properties behind the Beresford Arms pub in Whalton, creating family homes with private rear gardens while retaining original features of the former stable block holiday accommodation.

Listed building consent has also been secured to transform a barn in Thropton into four luxury homes.

The five approvals follow permission granted in September for 23 family homes on the former St Mary’s Middle School site in Belford, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.

Together, the developments represent a further boost to investment across Northumberland, where the Government’s revised housing targets require the delivery of approximately 1760 new homes annually.

Tony Harmieson, managing director of Architects-Group, said: “We’ve designed an attractive range of development schemes that will meet the needs of people who live in Northumberland, and living in the county myself I couldn’t be more excited to seeing this all going on around me.

“The residential developments in particular are creating a mix of property types and styles, from barn conversions in gorgeous village settings to new building family homes by the sea.”

Established in 1983, Architects-Group provides architectural, planning, interior design and development services across sectors including residential, hospitality, leisure and veterinary care.

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