59-home school redevelopment at Former Alnwick The Dukes Middle School The Dunterns, Alnwick

What was proposed

The scheme would convert the former school into 13 apartments, build 46 homes, and provide landscaped open space, parking, access and drainage.

“North Planning Committee 23 rd October 2025 Application No: 24/03628/FUL Proposal: Demolition and redevelopment of the modern extensions and outbuildings; convert former school to 13 residential apartments; 46 residential dwellings, create landscaped open area, all ancillary works including car parking, access and drainage.”

“Full planning permission is sought for the partial demolition, redevelopment and conversion of the former Dukes School, The Dunterns, Alnwick. It is proposed to demolish the 1960s extensions and outbuildings to the rear of school building and to create 13no residential apartments within the school building (including a new build element on the site of the demolished section).”

Officer report

The site and its history

The vacant former school and playing field sits in a residential area, with earlier permissions for residential conversion and redevelopment.

“The application site extends to approximately 4.73ha hectares and is located within a residential area to the south of Alnwick Town Centre. The existing site consists of the former Duke's School building and former playing field, which are now vacant due to the closure of the school in 2016.”

“Reference Number: 24/03629/LBC Description: Listed Building Consent for demolition and redevelopment of the modern extensions and outbuildings; convert former school to 13 residential apartments; 46 residential dwellings, create landscaped open area, all ancillary works including car parking, access and drainage. Status: Pending…”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered the loss of local green space and playing fields, housing need, heritage effects, highways, ecology, drainage and public benefits.

“The application has been assessed against national policy and guidance, development plan policies and other material planning considerations, and the advice of statutory consultees. In assessing this application the key considerations are;”

“Principle, Emerging Policy, Housing Need, ~Affordable Housing ~Vacant Building Credit Local Green Space, Playing Fields, ~Hexham Middle School ~Summary Scale, Design & Visual Impact, Amenity, Highways, Heritage Matters, ~Built Heritage ~Impact on Listed Building ~Public Benefits ~Archaeology Ecology, ~Protected Species ~Coastal Mitigation ~Biodiversity Net Gain Environmental Protection, Water Management, Open Space, Sustainable Construction, ICT, Planning Obligations,…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, a school representative, the Town Council’s planning consultant and the agent addressed the committee before questions to the planning officer.

Members’ debate

Members considered the development sensitive and beneficial, although some remained unconvinced that very special circumstances justified building on the site.

“Councillor Thorne opened the debate explaining that he felt that it was a sensitive development, with the open space of the site planned to protect the view of the listed building. He felt that there was a huge community benefit, with pathways and cycleways for people to enjoy the open space. The circle of lime trees, with natural landscapes and a detailed construction plan, would be the right development for the area.”

“Councillors Hill and Hunter expressed their concerns that they did not feel that even with the addition of new housing for the community, there was still not enough special circumstances for the development on that site.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members voted four to two for approval, subject to the reported conditions, planning obligations and an additional landscape, open space and lime tree management condition.

“A vote was taken as follows; FOR 4; AGAINST 2; ABSTAIN 0”

“North Planning Committee, Thursday, 23 October 2025 7 RESOLVED that the application be GRANTED permission subject to the conditions outlined in the report, a S106 agreement securing: • Affordable Housing Scheme for 6no Affordable Housing Units (33% rent/ 67% DMV) • BNG – habitat creation, enhancement, management for 30 years and monitoring fee (£4,729) • Coastal Mitigation (£36,285) • Education – SEND Provision (£99,000) • Healthcare (£41,100) • Open Space (£82,909.26), With…”

Minutes