NHS trust seeks planning approval to support net zero project at Hexham General Hospital

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a planning application as part of its ongoing work to decarbonise its estate.

The project supports its ambition to reach net zero by 2040, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels such as oil and gas.

The trust is seeking permission from Northumberland County Council to install two air source heat pumps, alongside a new high-voltage substation and transformer. These upgrades will help to significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support the transition to more sustainable, low-carbon operations.

The new heat pumps, which will be located at the front of the hospital in a suitably screened compound, will provide heating and hot water to the hospital as well as summer cooling which will reduce high temperatures during hot weather.

The project forms part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, through which the trust has been awarded more than £20 million in government funding. Northumbria Healthcare is one of just nine public sector organisations – and only three NHS trusts in the North East to receive funding through this initiative.

To enable the works to take place, some existing staff car parking spaces will need to be removed. However, plans are in place to relocate these spaces elsewhere on the hospital site, helping to minimise disruption.

Subject to planning approval, work is expected to begin in summer 2026 and hoped to be completed by early 2028.

Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone with the submission of our planning application.

“This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to achieving the NHS net zero target by 2040. Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive buildings in the public sector, and moving away from fossil fuel-based heating is essential to reducing our carbon footprint in a responsible and sustainable way.

“We recognise that there are some minor changes to staff car parking, but we have ensured that spaces are re-provided elsewhere on site to keep any impact to a minimum. Patient parking will not be affected, and the work will see the return of the ambulance bays at the front of the hospital.

“As an NHS organisation, we have a responsibility not only to care for our patients today, but also to protect the health of future generations. Developing a more sustainable estate is a key part of delivering on that commitment.”

The trust is committed to keeping patients, staff and local communities informed, and will provide regular updates as the project progresses.