HomeBELLINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
October 15th 2025 7pm
Present: Cllr Kirkbride (in the chair). Cllrs Armstrong, Knudsen, Moore, Richardson, Tilley, Turner, Wilkinson.
Five members of the public
In the absence of the clerk on leave, Cllr Tilley agreed to take minutes
PART A
Public Participation:
- Representatives of Bellingham Show made it clear there was no closed shop policy in operation when it comes to providing food and other refreshments on the day of the show. Anyone could apply, providing the service and equipment they offered complied with the highest food hygiene standards.
- A member of the public expressed strong concerns about a proposal to change the use of the private house Fernwood to a child care facility.
- Another member of the public commented on issues relating to the former railway bridge in the Otterburn road, potential flooding from the building site between Noble Street and Bridgeford View, and problems with the River North Tyne flood bank, currently being examined by the Environment Agency for possible replacement.
PART B
1 Apology for absence: Cllr Irving.
2 County Councillor report: None
3 Declarations of interest: Cllrs Kirkbride and Tuner declared potential conflicts re 25/03482/COU and did not take part in that discussion.
4 Minutes of meeting 17th September: Agreed as a true record
5 Matters arising from those minutes:
- It was agreed that the council should proceed with the purchase of three vehicle activated speed indicator cameras to be sited on roads around the village, in response to residents’ safety concerns.
- As a result of Hesleyside Estate indicating it had no wish to be involved in the maintenance of the allotment walls, it was agreed to seek quotes for repairs to affected parts of the damaged walls.
6 Planning:
Further concern was expressed about councillors not having sufficient opportunity to comment on a number of applications in the parish.
It was agreed an objection would have been lodged to 25/03237/FUL for a new forestry road coming onto the Mile Bank close to the Bridgeford Farm junction. It was felt this would create a potential safety hazard for fast moving traffic on the B6320.
25/03482/COU change of use from house to residential care unit at Copseford and 25/03357/ COU Fernwood - parish council objected to both applications on suitability and safety grounds
25/03482/COU lime mortar repair and change of use to wine shop at King Street – no objection.
Advance Northumberland Hareshaw Falls development: Following the presentation by Advance to the council before its September meeting about this development , discussions with neighbouring landowners had raised continuing concerns about the disposal of surface water from the proposed estate, The developers had been invited to clarify the situation as a matter of urgency at a future meeting of the parish council,
Finance
It was agreed that a donation of £350 should be made to help fund the Bellingham Children’s Party at the town hall on December 13th.
8 Borderlands: Further progress was awaited on the proposed redevelopment of the Heritage Centre and Station Yard,
9 Reports:
1 The chairman announced the establishment of a new group, the Bellingham Community Partnership, which had been created to bring together key local organisations, volunteers, and community stakeholders with a shared goal — to improve opportunities, wellbeing, and quality of life for people living in Bellingham and the surrounding rural area.
The Partnership aimed to act as a collaborative hub — pooling resources, expertise, and
energy to deliver projects that benefit children, families, older residents, and the wider
community.
Among activities which could be supported were Bellingham in Bloom, Holiday Activities for Children (under the HAF programme) The Orchard and arts and craft activities for children and adults.
The development was generally welcomed by councillors, although there was some discussion about possible duplication of effort and confusion with the North Tyne and Redesdale Community Partnership already operating several initiatives around the village
2 The chairman had attended a meeting of local business people keen to coordinate and improve Bellingham’s Christmas offer. While it was felt at that meeting it would be preferrable for the late night shopping event to be held at the weekend, it was pointed out that this year’s event was already arranged for Wednesday December 3rd, and could not be changed at this late stage. Councillors agreed to approach contractor David Allen to ensure that the parish council festive lights and town hall tree were in place and illuminated by the end of November.
3 Mobility scooter and wheelchair users were being forced to use the narrow and dangerous road from the Station Yard to the former Peggy’s Shop because it was impossible to access the safe footpaths through Hillside because of a single steep step. It was agreed to approach Karbon/ NCC to see if a ramp could be created to the path in front of nos 24-22 Hillside to improve road safety.
4 Coun Wilkinson reported that all available allotments had now been let.
Restricted business
Members of the public were asked to leave the chamber while an item of a confidential nature was discussed.
Meeting closed at 9-10pm
Date of next meeting: November 19th 2025 7pm.