A PLANNING application which could change the face of a Tyne Valley town has been lodged with Northumberland County Council.

Plans for 79 homes, a petrol station, two drive-through restaurants and a two-storey hotel have been put forward to rejuvenate the dilapidated land at the Hadrian Enterprise Park in Haltwhistle. 

The scheme was first revealed to the public in March. But now the site’s owner, MCR Property Group, is seeking outline planning permission from the council.

The former paintworks site was once at the heart of Haltwhistle’s economy, employing hundreds of people in South Tynedale.

But since paint manufacturer Akzo Nobel closed its Haltwhistle plant in 2002, hopes of new investment at the site, which was renamed Hadrian Enterprise Park, never came to fruition. 

The site has fallen into disrepair over the years and has caused frustration in the town, becoming an eyesore next to the A69.

Manchester-based MCR Property Group completed the purchase of the 230,000sq ft Hadrian Enterprise Park in November, 2016 from previous owner Trans Britannia Properties.

It is currently unknown what businesses would take over the proposed units. 

The property group is wanting full permission to carry out work to the existing industrial units, workshops, and car parking spaces. 

The existing industrial units and workshops would be retained but would be clad in vertical timber to improve their appearance.

Hadrian Enterprise Park is home to around 20 businesses, but around half of the 230,000 square metre site is standing empty. 

The industrial site has long been a point of concern for Haltwhistle Town Council, which has been concerned over the fact that the site provides an unsightly approach to the town. Concerns over crime in the area have also been reported. 

The council’s vice-chairman, Michael Ridley, was pleased with the application, but added that he had hoped more jobs would be created.

Coun. Ridley said: “My personal view as a councillor is I’m all for it. The site needs tidying up. However, I would would like a bit more industry in the town.

“I’ve no objection about housing, but we’re desperate for jobs. I’ve looked at the plans and hopefully it gets approved. The company has put a plan together, they’ve spoken to the public and it was well received.”