PLANS for a new convenience store on the site of a proposed housing development have been submitted.

A 3,000sqft store on the site of the former Bellingham Auction Mart is proposed.

Housing development company Maple Oak aims to transform the former Bellingham Auction Mart with 60 new homes.

The new store would be located on the northern boundary of the housing development, on the B6320 Otterburn Road.

A design and access statement report prepared on behalf of Redfern Properties said: "Local shops are a focal point for communities. The proposed development would serve the local community in the surrounding area, enhancing the local retail offer rather than having to rely on more distant retail areas which would generally necessitate using a private vehicle or public transport.

"It is envisaged that the majority of the users of the facility would come from within easy walking distance and the proposed housing development.

"The development is small scale and as such, would not compete with established shopping areas."

The proposed housing scheme includes a mix of two and three bedroomed houses, two bedrooms bungalows, and one and two bedroomed apartments.

There would be a mix of affordable rented homes (61 per cent), Rent to Buy/Shared Ownership units (12 per cent) and Supported Housing (27 per cent).

No operator for the store is mentioned in the plans submitted to Northumberland County Council.

There are 15 parking spaces proposed, including two which are accessible. Cycle bays would also be provided close to the entrance.

If approved, the single-storey store would be built with red brick, with grey roof tiles.

Two illuminated totem boards would be present at the entrance of the site, subject to separate advertisement consent.

The approach to the site and primary access will be via a new estate road linking the proposed housing development to the B6320.

A planned opening date of 2023 for the store is given in a travel plan statement submitted alongside the application.

Two full-time and two part-time members of staff are proposed.

For more details, search reference number 21/03910/FUL on the county council's planning portal.