Temporary car boot relocation at Land East Of B1287, Seaham

What was proposed

The application sought ten-year temporary permission to move the car boot sale’s selling area north of its existing parking area during National Grid works.

“Full Application Description: Temporary planning permission (10 years) for the relocation of existing sales area associated with Seaham Hall car boot sale from south of the existing parking area to north of the existing parking area to allow works by National Grid…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 3.77-hectare grassland site lies north of Seaham beside the B1287, coastal paths and coast, within Green Belt, Heritage Coast and valued landscape designations.

“The site is situated within an open setting bound by the road B1287 to the west, open grassland/agricultural land to the north, the King Charles III Coastal Path and Footpath No. 7 (Seaham Parish) and the coast to the east. The land to the south benefits from planning permission for an existing car boot sale with the parking area immediately to the south of the application area and sales area immediately to the south of it.”

“The site lies within an Area of Higher Landscape Value and within the Green Belt as designated in the County Durham Plan. The site is also within the defined Heritage Coast and contains best and most versatile land.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and applications

The existing car boot sale was approved in 2008 and varied in 2012, while earlier market and caravan proposals were refused or withdrawn.

“An application for the use of the site for an outdoor market and car boot fair on Sunday afternoons between 12 noon and 5pm from the beginning of March to the end of September each year (Planning Application No. 5/PLAN/2008/0086) was approved in 2008.”

“An outdoor market and car boot fair Sundays between 12 noon and 5.00pm from last Sunday in March to third Sunday in October each year was approved in January 2012 (Planning Permission No. PL/5/2011/0110). This was a variation of operating dates approved under Planning Permission No. 5/PLAN/2008/0086.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highway, environmental, ecological, drainage, heritage and other consultees raised no objections, subject to measures including reinstatement, biodiversity and path protection.

“Highway Authority – raise no objection. Officers note that northern access would accommodate a small increase in additional vehicle movements, but this is unlikely to have a material impact on the highway. Consideration has been given to the accident history and although there have been a few accidents they are not related to the car boot sale.”

“Heritage Coast Partnership– raises no objections. It is stated it would not affect over wintering birds, nor impact on the SAC or SPA. The King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail is situated on the seaward site of the proposed site, along the cliff top. If the area is to be fenced there must be provision made for roll back of the path.”

Officer report

Public support

Four representations supported the application, citing the car boot sale’s community, social, environmental and economic benefits; National Grid also supported the relocation.

“A Sunderland resident states that they have been attending the car boot sale for years with family and that they are well attended and attract hundreds of people many of whom are regular attenders bringing revenue to local shops and the area. The social and well-being benefits of the car boot sale are listed as benefits, and that the Seaham car boot is a lifeline for a lot of people.”

“It is stated that last year National Grid successfully promoted a Compulsory Purchase Order securing the powers necessary to deliver this scheme, with the current programme being for the main works to commence on site in early 2026. As part of the scheme, it has been necessary for the HVDC cables to make landfall within the existing Nobles Car Boot selling area, which will also act as a construction compound for the works.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

An agent for the applicant stressed the scheme’s national importance and sought flexibility over storing portable toilets, while the planning officer explained the proposed condition.

The committee discussion

A councillor considered the requested amendment unfair during the meeting, and the applicant confirmed acceptance of the conditions in the report.

“Councillor Bell advised that it was unfair to request an amendment during Committee and [name withheld] advised that the Applicant was content with the conditions outlined in the report and accepted the condition as outlined in the report.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application under the report’s conditions was moved, seconded and approved by the committee.

“Councillor Bellingham moved the recommendation to approve the application as per the conditions outlined in the report, which was seconded by Councillor Hope.”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions outlined in the report.”

Minutes