Derelict former industrial buildings near Gateshead’s quayside are set to be bulldozed to make way for a major apartment development after fresh plans were given the go-ahead.
Bellway Homes will replace the buildings at the South of Fletcher Road near the existing Ochre Yards development with 98 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
A design and access statement lodged with the council said that the project would bring the derelict site back into use with a “high quality scheme”.
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It added that it would “provide high quality new housing for young professionals and small families to complete the Ochre Yards development.”
However, some residents raised opposition and the council received 20 objections to the plans.
Objectors raised fears about what they described as the “unimaginative” design and the impact on local wildlife, lack of public art and loss of privacy and light.
A report from the authority’s planning department stated that 18 of these objections were to the initial proposals, with the latest revisions receiving only two letters of objection.
Despite these objections, authority planners recommended permission be granted and said: “It is considered that the proposal does accord with national and local planning policies.”
The authority’s planning committee followed this advice and unanimously voted to approve the plans on Tuesday.
