Created- 17/6/25.
Updated 2/12/25
I asked the coop for an update.
Reply –
Hi Gordon
I am afraid there is no update on this, I have been advised that these negotiations can take a long time so when there is an outcome, I will update you.
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Update 7/11/25
I contacted the coop HQ again, a reply states that consideration of options are continuing.
Update 3/10/25
Legal agreement –
{work is undertaken to present the below document in a clearer style).
Update 2/10/25
I contacted the coop (HQ) again today, to ask what their position is now.
The response was to the effect that their legal team were still considering their options.
My advice continues to be,please use the car park as the public have been doing for decades, and to continue to support our local businesses incl the coop.
Helping to retain / create TynedaleJobs and supporting the local economy and the wider #PrudhoeCommunity #PrudhoeBusiness
Update 21/8/25
A senior Planning officer at NCC has reviewed the situation.
As a result the coop has been advised that if they still wish to make changes to the parking arrangements they should complete a formal legal request to amend the section 106 planning agreement.
Update 15/7/25
Coop are seeking to engage with NCC legal teams to discuss the issue.
Update 14/7/25
From Coop HQ
Good morning Cllr Stewart,
Unfortunately there is no update at this time, I can assure you that we continue to look into this matter and as soon as an update is available I will be in touch with you directly.
Kind regards,
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My advice – Keep on shopping locally including the Coop, where many local people are employed, and the coop has shown itself to be a good supporter of the #PrudhoeCommunity for years.
As there are no restrictions keep on using the car park.
Could you walk to the shops ? Car share ? Park just a bit further away from the town centre and enjoy a walk ? Or use public transport?
This administration at NCC will not impose charges on our town centre car parks.
Gordon
Update 11/7/25
A further e mail has been sent asking for an update.
Updated 3/7/25
Following another e mail to the coop the below has been received.
Dear Cllr Stewart,
Thank you for your e-mail and please do let me reassure you that we are looking into this matter,
Update 29/6/25
See Courant report – Click here
Update 26/6/25
Dear Cllr Stewart.
Thank you for your email regarding the restrictions that will be implemented within the Co-op Prudhoe store.
Although as a community retailer, we always look to provide services to the community, we are also a business looking to serve our customers and members and we have found that unfortunately our customers and members have been unable to utilise our car park and subsequently unable to use our store, therefore we have taken the difficult decision to install parking restrictions within our store.
As you will be aware these restrictions are not yet in place, and we do not yet have a date for when they will be at this stage. We are currently looking into the agreement that you mention from 1987 and will respond to you on this in due course.
Kind regards,

Update 9am 23/6/25
Reminder e mail chasing up the coop
Update 11am 19/6/25
Coop head office acknowledged communication.
Update 4.46pm 18/6/25
Thank you to the great #PrudhoeCommunity I am now in a position to put a proposal to the Coop Head office.
It just needs them to agree to it.
Until they have considered it, I do not want to say more.
But as in all enquiries I keep the public informed when I can.
Update 12.30pm 18/6/25
I have asked the NCC planning dept to check back records relating to the 1980’s in relation to the property.
This may take a lot of time.
Update 10am 18/9/25 I have e mailed a senior officer within the Coop Headoffice.
Update 9.40am 18/6/25 I have contacted Horizon for additional information
Update 9.39am 8/6/25 I have e mailed PTC asking for any information re agreements upon the use of the CP
Update 9.30am 18/6/25 – Head office tel lines are down as are their e mails.
Update 9.10am 18/6/25– Customers services at coop say they can not deal with such queries.referred to Head office.
Update 9am 18/6/26 Horizon Partnership with the Coop. CLICK HERE
Update 8.42am 18/6/26
I have been in contact with the store, who as expected know little about this, I am trying to contact someone at head office, but the lines are not open yet.
Update 11.13pm 17/6/25
Land ownership map – CLICK HERE
Update 11pm 17/6/25
Who are Horizon mentioned in the banner ? CLICK HERE
I assume a legal agreement has now been signed between the Coop & Horizon, which may be difficult and expensive to get out of.
The Coop resurfaced the car park and improved the lighting in 2021 which gives a further indication that they own the CP – CLICK HERE
The Co-op
Oakfield Terrace, Prudhoe, NE42 5HF has now introduced parking time. restrictions.
8pm 17/6/25.update-
I am aware of new signage at the Prudhoe Coop- see below.
I have e mailed various NCC officers this evening to make them aware.
It would appear the car park is private land owned by the coop.
I am not aware of NCC or PTC being informed of any restrictions being made.
There are suggestions that there is a history behind the change of use when the land became first used for commercial purposes, that allows for free car parking.
A lot of digging will have to be made into any possible restrictions / permissions.
A lot of digging will have to be made into any possible restrictions.
In the 1980s when the land was first used as a store Tynedale District Council were the planning authority:
I am disappointed that the coop had not given clear information leading up to this point.
Like most towns in the Country there is now an increase in private land (even at commercial premises) restricting use of their car parks, payment or otherwise such as time restrictions.
There are several in Prudhoe already.
Car park operators are actively contacting land owners and offering their services, rather than waiting to be approached.
This will not be a decision made locally, so please treat the staff with respect.
Prudhoe Matters 