A derelict garage in Byker that was “left to rot” is set to be transformed into flats, despite complaints from neighbours.
Newcastle City Council approved plans on Friday for the dilapidated former Just Merks repair shop in Welbeck Road to be converted into 16 new apartments. The proposals were backed unanimously by councillors on the local authority’s planning committee, though two dozen objections had been made by residents on the Byker Wall Estate.
Plans lodged with the city council by Pod architects, on behalf of developer Clark Fielding, stated that the three-storey garage has become run-down after being left empty for years and that its redevelopment was a “sympathetic conversion”. They added: “The existing building has been left to elements for a number of years and the internal layout has been left to rot. The proposals seek to remove all existing staircases and internal walls as they are not fit for purpose. The main structure is to be retained and improved.”
The scheme approved by the council on Friday will add an extra storey onto the building and raise its height by more than two metres. A petition from 24 residents in neighbouring Chirton Wynd, Manor House Close, Headlam Green warned that locals “strongly object” to the redevelopment.
It raised concerns over the new flats overshadowing and overlooking Byker Wall residents, causing them to lose daylight and privacy. There were also fears about the absence of any new parking spaces being provided for the new flats and about the extra traffic and air pollution it could generate.
Council planning officers admitted on Friday that there would be some loss of privacy to neighbours, with some of the new apartments having floor to ceiling windows in close proximity to the existing homes. However, they found that there was “no significant harm” arising that said the benefits of bringing the building back into use and improving its appearance would outweigh any negatives.
Councillors were also told the civic centre officials were “confident that there won’t be a significant impact” in terms of parking problems on surrounding streets as a result of the new development as the area is considered to have low car ownership. Councillors voted unanimously in support of the scheme, with Liberal Democrat Henry Gallagher praising the developer’s commitment to make two of the apartments available for affordable rent.
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