Plans for an 126-acre employment development in Cramlington have been given the green light in a move which could support the creation of 2,000 jobs and generate more than £150m of investment into the North East economy.
Arlington Real Estate has received unanimous approval for its West Hartford Park development, which is being brought forward in partnership with Homes England.
The scheme represents the largest remaining strategic employment allocation in Northumberland and is capable of delivering more than one million sq ft of high-quality industrial, manufacturing and logistics space.
The decision follows a recommendation for approval by the Local Planning Authority ahead of committee, with no objections raised by statutory consultees and strong overall support for the scheme.
The masterplan includes flexible industrial and manufacturing units ranging from 40,000 sq ft to 532,000 sq ft, available on freehold or leasehold terms, alongside office accommodation, innovation-led facilities and supporting retail amenity.
Located just minutes from the deep-sea Port of Blyth, West Hartford Park has been brought forward in close collaboration with the Port and will complement the Energy Central Partnership cluster.
Dean Cook of Arlington Real Estate said: "Securing planning permission for West Hartford Park is a hugely significant moment, not just for Arlington Real Estate, but for the wider North East economy.
"The unanimous vote together with recommendation for approval and the absence of objections from consultees reflects both the strength of the scheme and the close, collaborative engagement with the LPA and key stakeholders. We have also greatly valued working with Northumberland Council throughout the application process, whose constructive and professional approach has contributed positively to this outcome."
He called West Hartford Park "one of the most important strategic employment sites in the region" and added: "The North East is seeing unprecedented levels of interest and investment, driven in part by major offshore wind opportunities and the continued growth of the Port of Blyth as a key gateway for global trade and energy projects. West Hartford Park is perfectly positioned to support that momentum."
Deputy leader of Northumberland County Council and cabinet member for the economy Richard Wearmouth said: "West Hartford is a premier employment site ideally located to take advantage of the economic growth taking place in South East Northumberland.
"In particular, the site provides the perfect platform for businesses looking to invest in the vicinity of the £10bn QTS AI campus and Northumberland’s offshore renewable energy cluster, which is seeing such rapid expansion."
Richard Scott Director at HTA Real Estate said " West Hartford offers the ability to develop large industrial/warehouse units up to 532,000 sqft within a strategic location in Northumberland. The units can be made available on a freehold or leasehold basis and we look forward to acting on behalf of Arlington Real Estate and Homes England in securing occupiers for the site".
