Northumberland Libraries consultation

The County wide consultation ran from the 16th February 2026 until 11.59pm on Monday 13 April 2026.

The consultation has now closed.

See a link to the NCC website CLICK HERE

I thank the many Prudhoe residents who contributed in some way, be it online, via paper or verbally.

I have spoken with a large number of interested people, these include NCC staff in various positions and I will continue to do so.

I promoted the consultation widely and attended various meetings.

The service requested the views on the future of libraries, including: 

  • how they work with communities 
  • new ways of working generally  
  • opening hours and mobile library routes 
  • using new technologies
  • how they deliver events, activities and information 

There was some misinformation being circulated to say the Prudhoe branch was closing – And there was going to be compulsory redundancies neither are true.

I joined the NCC library service as a member many years ago, and visit the Prudhoe library on a regular basis.

The service is vital to the town, and I have championed it for a long time.

The staff are so friendly, professional and efficient.

The Library service will now review all comments.

The outcome will be made public officially by NCC, as the consultation has had such a good response it may take some time, and it would be wrong to speculate upon the views of the respondents, but what I have heard so far many are varied and some very imaginative.

When this is done decisions will be made.

DID YOU MISS THE CONSULTATION ?

If you live in my Prudhoe South ward and missed the consultation but would like your views to be heard, I am more than happy to represent you, as I will be making further representations.

Please e mail me at gordon.stewart@northumberland.gov.uk

Please include your name & address and also say if you are a library member/ & how often you use it

You may wish to also mention how any proposed changes would impact upon your use of the Library, either positively or in a negative way.

Thanks

Gordon

Major housing development proposal.

Update 2/4/26

The applicant has submitted new plans – see a range of documents on the NCC portal-

CLICK HERE

Update 4/12/25

Concerns raised – Courant

https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/25670827.councillor-voices-concerns-prudhoe-housing-development/

Update 20/10/25

Since the official consultation period ended work has continued in the background by the objectors and I hear the developer has also been preparing their case.

There is an outside chance that the developer will withdraw their application, but I feel this is very unlikely.

I have applied for the application to be brought before a planning committee if the developer does not withdraw their application, and the planning dept recommends approval.

I also requested that if it does go to a committee a site meeting is held, I will describe how this works at a later date if the planning application is pursued.

Both of my requests have been agreed.

I anticipate the application will go before a committee on the 9th December 2025.

See link CLICK HERE

But as always I will continue to provide updates.

What you can do –

If you have a view on the application you can still submit comments to the NCC planning dept and /or the developer.

Update 31/8/25

I had a face to fae catch up with residents leading the opposition.

Updated 3/7/25

Courant report CLICK HERE

Update 30/6/25

Residents can email comments to planningcomments@northumberland.gov.uk if there are any problems submitting via the portal.

Update 29/6/25

A site walkabout was held with concerned residents and some of the PTC Cllrs.

Onsite CLICK HERE

Update 25/6/25

Chronicle report- CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

Sun 22/6/25

This evening I met a group of residents for 2.5 hrs who are concerned about the proposed development in Prudhoe.

They have started a petition and are encouraging people to sign it, online or in paper form – copies are at various locations around town.

But they wish to emphasis the importance of also submitting views online to the planning dept.

This is above any comments submitted to the developer at the time they sought the views of residents.

Petition

Objection against the proposed development at Highfield Lane, Prudhoe NE42 6EY, by Barrett David Wilson Homes. Ref: 25/01971/FUL.

We wish to register our objection to plans that have been submitted to Northumberland County Council to build 65 dwellings on land adjacent to Highfield Lane. We are objecting to the application for the builidng of any property on the proposed site on the grounds of safety and environmental concerns. The main objections are highway safety and increased traffic impact. Environmental and conservation impact. The refusal of previous planning applications and Appendix A in the SHLAA 2024 document which states that the proposed site is not suitable, not available, not achievable and discounted for housing.

Opened for signatures: 19.06.25

Click here to sign the e-petition-

https://online.northumberland.gov.uk/citizenportal/form.aspx?form=epetition_signature&txt_petitiontitle=Objection%20against%20the%20proposed%20development%20at%20Highfield%20Lane,%20Prudhoe%20NE4%206EY%20by%20Barrett%20David%20Wilson%20

Land To East Of School
Highfield Lane
Prudhoe
Northumberland

Full planning application for the construction of 65no. residential dwellings (Use Class C3) with associated landscaping, access arrangements, parking and infrastructure.

Application Reference: 25/01971/FUL

For further information or to comment on the proposal, please use this link: CLICK HERE

You can make a comment to:

  • support an application
  • object to an application
  • make a neutral comment (to raise a concern)

The planning application is part of a formal legal process.

Information about planning process CLICK HERE

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