Land to the rear of 13-17 Priestpopple, Hexham

Town centre site that was occupied by a number of buildings, most of which have now been cleared. A single three-storey building and a historic ropery now remain in situ. The old ropery offers opportunity for conversion. The site has been identified as a key redevelopment opportunity in the heart of Hexham. There will be opportunity for a higher density development in this location, probably an apartment scheme. Proposals for mixed-use redevelopment have been made on a number of occasions over the years, both in part and when incorporated within a wider scheme with adjacent land (2258, 2497). This planning history goes back over a long period. Permission for demolition of the remaining building and construction of 17 apartments and a retail unit, was initially secured for this parcel in 2006 (T/20061115). A revised application for a complex mixed-use scheme of residential development, and retail, commercial and office floorspace was permitted in 2015 (15/02794/FUL). A total of 36 dwellings were proposed, comprising of 5 houses and 31 apartments in three blocks. The proposal included part demolition, reconstruction, alteration and conversion of the existing building. Whilst this latter permission lapsed due to non-commencement, it has recently been confirmed that the 2006 application remains live, because a material start had been made on works within the necessary timeframe. It has been confirmed that the site remains available and that there is still an intention to deliver the redevelopment of the site. The permitted scheme for 17 dwellings is considered deliverable in the next five years. However, it is understood that a revised scheme may be proposed in future, a redevelopment that may be in combination with adjacent land (2258, 2497).