Plans include a timber-framed café, farm shop and sleeping accommodation on a disused petrol station site near Morpeth
Planning permission has been granted for a new roadside leisure complex off the A1 in Northumberland, designed by Collaborative Architecture. The scheme seeks to transform a disused grey-belt site into a tourism-focused gateway for visitors arriving in the region.
Located just north of Stannington village, the site previously housed a derelict petrol station and lies between the A1 and the old Great North Road. It also has industrial heritage, including a 19th-century coal mine shaft, which is due to be made safe as part of the works.
The development is intended to serve as a new stopping point for travellers and includes electric vehicle charging, a farm shop offering local produce, and a café specialising in Northumberland food. Thirteen timber cabins are also planned at the southern edge of the site for overnight stays.
John Holt, director at Collaborative Architecture and lead architect on the scheme, said: “It’s been a very long and difficult journey navigating the planning department’s concerns on this sensitive ‘grey belt’ site but the final planning approval is testament to the exciting nature of this important tourism project for the North East.”
The main building is described as a sweeping timber-framed structure with a dark stained shingle-clad exterior. It has an A-frame section that arcs across the site, with the highest point housing the café. This section includes two mezzanine levels designed for flexible uses such as events or conferences.
The farm shop occupies the eastern end of the building, with a central glazed gateway intended to link the café to the accommodation area. Timber is used throughout, both structurally and internally.
Photovoltaic panels over the car park bays are planned to provide power for the café and cabins, supported by battery storage.
>> Also read: Rayner approves Howells’ plans for supersized version of Tebay services in Cheshire
No comments yet