Benfield VW Garage, Castle Bank, Morpeth

Former commercial garage site that is vacant following closure several years ago. The whole site is a derelict state and the remaining buildings are in an extremely dilapidated and dangerous state. There is also a commercial unit, latterly a hair salon, and a number of vacant former residential dwellings on-site. This would offer a prime location for an attractive infill residential development within walking distance of Morpeth town centre. Demolition of all the remaining derelict buildings would be required prior to redevelopment An increased density is likely to be fitting for the central location, very possibly through a flat/apartment scheme. The site is an eyesore at present, and is considered to be a priority for redevelopment. There has been interest in bringing a scheme forward for a number of years. After looking are various options, an application for demolition of all existing buildings and construction of a residential care home and care apartments was submitted in 2023 (23/04342/FUL). This application was approved in March 2025. The project involves demolition of all buildings within the site, including the garage premises, residential dwellings, and commercial units. The care home will comprise of 81 single bedrooms units (C2 use) and 24 suites (C3 use). Only the latter are classed as standalone residential dwellings. As 5 existing dwellings will be demolished, this means the scheme will provide 19 net additional homes on completion. Works are yet to commence, but delivery of the entire scheme is forecast for the next five years.