A PRUDHOE teenager is standing up for independent businesses in Prudhoe through his campaign against a proposed new retail development.

Fifteen-year-old Luke Shears has started the Best for Prudhoe campaign in response to a proposed 70,000 sq ft retail park in Low Prudhoe, which is a joint venture between Northumberland Estates and ARCH, the Northumberland Development company.

The development, which has received outline planning permission, would include both food and non-food shops, a 60-bed hotel and two restaurants – one with a drive-through facility.

Northumberland Estates said it was planning to submit detailed plans in the new year.

Year 11 Prudhoe High School student Luke was inspired to start his campaign in November last year when he heard about the plans.

When no-one else seemed to be tackling the issue, he took it up himself.

A student council representative and a member of Northumberland Youth Council, Luke rose to the challenge, conducting interviews with Prudhoe residents, business owners and environmental specialists, and looking at case studies of similar types of development in places like Kent and Greater Manchester.

His research resulted in him writing a 5,000 word report and creating a website and social media presence for his Best for Prudhoe campaign.

His online and written petitions against the development attracted a total of 278 signatures, and Luke said he would not rule out presenting these as an official objection when the detailed planning application was submitted to Northumberland County Council.

“Most businesses on Front Street are local, independent businesses. Some have just recently been set up and lots have been here for a while and have loyal customers,” explained Luke.

“The retail development will undeniably take away trade from those businesses, and it’s possible some may close down because of the competition if the whole centre of the town is relocated to another part of Prudhoe.

“It made me think ‘why are we giving up on all of the businesses up here?’ It looked like we were giving up and starting again, and that really angered me.”

Luke said older residents without access to cars might struggle to get to the out of town development, while residents on Castlefields, where Luke lives with his parents, have raised concerns about the increased litter, noise and traffic which could result from people using the estate as a through route to access the retail park.

He is also concerned about the effect the development could have on the local ecosystem.

“People say there are several economic benefits, which I don’t deny, but I think when you put it all into context, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages,” said Luke.

“My ultimate purpose is not to stop the development – it’s to raise awareness, encourage debate and get the town talking.

“Obviously I would love it if the development didn’t go ahead, but I think the most important thing is that people have properly thought through the potential issues with this before they plough ahead.”

Director of Northumberland Estates Colin Barne, said: “We have not been informed or had any contact from anyone about the campaign.

“The plans have been approved and planning permission granted, so we are looking to proceed with the plans.”