Belford Middle School, Williams Way, Belford, Northumberland, NE70

Residential development opportunity extending 2.25 Acres / 0.91 Hectares located in Belford, Northumberland. The site has received a positive pre-app response for approximately 22 dwellings

OFFERS INVITED BY 17:00 THURSDAY 13th JUNE


Summary
The site is located on the former Belford Middle School, Northumberland. It extends approximately 2.25 ac / 0.91ha and comprises of the old school building, caretaker’s house, playgrounds and amenity area.

A positive pre-application response has been received from the Local Planning Authority for approximately 22 dwellings.

Description
The site is located in the village of Belford, Northumberland. The village is served my local amenities which include Co—op, newsagent, public houses and general stores.

The village is well connected with bus routes and being situated less than one mile from the A1.

The site is the location of the former Belford Middle School which comprises of the main school building, three tarmac sports courts, former caretaker’s house and amenity space. The site is sold with the existing buildings in place.

The site is accessed from William’s way which is an adopted highway. The sketch masterplan to inform the pre-application utilises the same access point. The pre-app response outlines that this access point would require upgrading to an adoptable standard to serve the development.

Planning
A positive pre-application response was received from Northumberland County Council for the proposed development of 22 dwellings.

The development of the site for residential use is acceptable in principle.

The proposed mix of dwellings should incorporate more single storey 2 bed units and fewer 4 bed units.

The needs of older persons should be incorporated into the design of the development.

There is no requirement for affordable housing if the development remains fewer than 30 dwellings.

The financial contributions based on the proposed development would be:

Open Space: - £31,912
Healthcare: - £14,747
Coastal Mitigation: - £13,530
Education: - £0
Nitrate Neutrality: - TBC
Biodiversity Net Gain: - TBC

The stated financial contributions are likely to change depending on the number of dwellings. Further advice is recommended.

Planning (continued)
The site is located within a Nutrient Neutrality catchment area. The development will require a solution to Nutrient Neutrality in advance of the commencement of construction. Presently, Northumberland County Council do not have a credit system. However, solutions can be provided within the catchment area such as upgrading existing foul drainage systems or through the planting of woodland and wetland.

Services
It is understood the site holds connections to relevant services, however purchasers are recommended to seek independent advice as to the availability, suitability of existing and cost of connection of services to meet their requirements.

What3words
The location of the site can be found by using the following link:

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Title
The site is sold Freehold with the existing rights to which the site benefits. To the southern boundary of the property, Belford First School has a right of pedestrian access. The full route of this path can be seen within a plan in the Data Room.

Local Authority
Northumberland County Council

Data Room
Access to an electronic data room containing information on planning information is available by request or by using the link in the further information section.

Tenure & Possession
The caretaker’s house is tenanted under an AST for 12 months until March 2025. It is intended the site is offered freehold with vacant possession upon completion, unless otherwise agreed.

Legal Costs
Each party to bear their own legal costs incurred in the transaction unless otherwise agreed

Method of Sale
We are instructed to dispose of the site by informal tender. Bids are to be submitted to Rhys Jones and Richard Johnson by no later than 17:00 Thursday 13th June in line with the following requirements:

• Name and registered address of the bidder;
• Name and contact details of the bidder’s solicitor;
• Contract type e.g. unconditional or conditional contract;
• Brief details of the intended future use of the land;
• Details of planning strategy (if required);
• Outline associated timeframes to sale completion;
• Offers to outline financial arrangements for acquisition including proof of allocated funds; and
• Where buyers require a level of conditionality, that should be clearly specified as part of any offer.

All offers are subject to contract and the seller is not under any obligation to accept any or the highest offer.

The sale is subject to approval from the Secretary of State.

Anti-Money Laundering
In accordance with anti-money laundering regulations, two forms of identification and confirmation of the source of funding will be required from the successful bidder.

VAT
All figures are exclusive of VAT where chargeable.

Viewings The caretaker’s property is tenanted with any internal viewings required in advance. We politely ask interested parties to respect the privacy of the tenants. Viewings are strictly by prior appointment,