Energy firm Osbit granted permission to expand Riding Mill office into greenbelt

A clean energy firm based in rural Northumberland has been granted planning permission to expand its offices despite the fact it will encroach on greenbelt land.

Osbit, an offshore wind energy equipment company based in Riding Mill, applied for permission to extend its offices and staff café at Broomhaugh House. The application also included changes to the car park.

The council only approves applications in the green belt under "very special circumstances". At Tuesday's meeting of the Tynedale Local Area Planning Committee, members were told that the application met this threshold as the company, which employs more than 100 people, was keen to expand and the site was the only place to do so in the local area.

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Speaking at the meeting, Osbit engineer Chris Martin urged members to approve the plans. He said: "Very special circumstances have been demonstrated to justify development in the green belt.

"Osbit has evolved into a successful business providing high-quality local employment. There is increased demand for offshore wind. High quality, green shops are key in de-carbonising.

"Osbit as a business is key to the region's offshore wind industry. We wish to stay in Riding Mill and maintain links with the community and the surrounding area. There will be notable economic, social and environmental benefits and very limited harm to the green belt."

The plans were unanimously approved by the committee. Coun Trevor Cessford said: "Over the years we appear to be very much against development in the green belt.

"Sometimes there are special circumstances - it's a bit hit and miss, but this one, to me, is a lot easier to decide because of what it is and also the fact that more than 100 people work there - that is quite key. After all that has been said, that is the reason I will be voting for it."