Plans have been lodged that could see a former adult education centre in Northumberland converted into a single family dwelling. The application relates to the former Morpeth Adult Learning Centre at the town's King Edward VI High School.
Property history and vacancy
The property, known as Cottingwood House, was formerly used by Northumberland Skills, Northumberland County Council's further education provider. However, the organisation relocated to the new Morpeth Leisure Centre and the building has stood vacant for a number of years.
The Cheviot Learning Trust, which runs the high school - known locally as KEVI - is not involved in the application. While described as part of the high school, the building itself is actually to the south of the main site. It is adjacent to the King Edward's Place development constructed by Ida Homes.
Design and proposed changes
A design and access statement submitted by planning agents ghbd as part of the application states that the property was "originally designed as a dwelling" and therefore the change of use from education back to a house is "straight forward". Work will comprise of "internal refurbishment only".
It adds: "The building was last used as an adult learning centre as part of King Edward VI School. This use ceased during the Covid 19 shutdown and the property has been unoccupied since then. Prior to the previous use, it is understood that the building was the school’s headmaster house. This would explain why the building looks like a residential dwelling."
The existing property is a two-storey building with the attic space partially converted into office space. The proposed site area and building footprint will remain unchanged with this change of use application.
Next steps
The application went live on the county council's planning portal on August 12. To date, there have been no public objections submitted.
