A 'Gulag-style' housing development earmarked for land in Tynemouth has been criticised by councillors.
Labour and Conservative councillors in Tynemouth voiced strong objections to a council authorised housing development on vacant land surrounding Tynemouth Metro station.
North Tyneside’s planning committee met earlier this week and granted a planning application for the construction of 71 one, two, and three bedroom apartments and a 130sqm commercial space. It also allows for the partial demolition of the stone perimeter wall to Tynemouth Road.
Read More: Former Gateshead primary school earmarked for demolition and building of 35 affordable homes
The proposal proved controversial, generating 184 public objections against a mere four approving comments.
Conservative councillor Lewis Bartoli said of the decision: “I think the whole decision is an absolute disgrace. I think the Labour councillors who voted for that development should consider whether they should continue as councillors.
“They need to put the needs of residents first and they have put the needs of the developer first."
Coun Bartoli went on to dub the project a “Gulag-style Byker Wall”.
Sarah Day, labour councillor for Tynemouth said: “I think first of all the main point is that it is extremely disappointing. I think there was an acceptance that there would be some form of development but locals thought the plans put forward were out of keeping with the village.
“It is worthwhile to point out that the planning policy from the Government favours the developers. It is very difficult to refuse something without material grounds.”
The Tynemouth Village Association also objected to the development. The association said: “The Station is a heritage asset that must not be spoiled by any overdevelopment in close proximity, and even more so if it is not in the vernacular. This proposal is detrimental in every way to the Station as a Heritage Asset and also to the conservation area and its assets more generally.
"Over 70 flats but only 43 parking places would create a massive problem, casting up to 65-75 more cars onto on-street parking on a daily basis. There is ample evidence already in Tynemouth that many people travel by car to the Station, so proximity of the flats to the station does not in any way translate into less car ownership, which TVA thinks will remain a problem- even as cars become green it will not decrease their numbers at all and may indeed increase them."
Chairman of the planning committee, Coun Willie Samuel said: “The application has been under consideration for some time. Our planning officers have worked with local people and councillors to try and make things as acceptable as possible.
"The view of the planning committee was that the development of the station was to the long term benefit of the people of Tynemouth.”
Coun Samuel went on to say if the project went to appeal without the committee granting permission, the committee would lose all influence over the project.
Read More:
