A saga over the future of a derelict police station where developers had wanted to build a Burger King could finally reach a conclusion this week.
Battle has been waged over the transformation of the empty station on Newcastle’s Westgate Road since redevelopment plans were first announced in 2019. Newcastle City Council has already rejected proposals to open a drive-thru Burger King at the West End site and that decision was then upheld after a public inquiry.
But fresh plans for the vacant plot could finally be approved this week, with city councillors due to issue a verdict on Friday. Developer Hadrian Property Investments returned last summer with fresh designs and, although a drive-thru restaurant or cafe is still on the cards, they have pledged that it will not house the likes of Burger King, McDonalds or KFC.
Read More: 'Full confidence' in chief who allowed firefighter to be promoted despite rape allegation
Like the original proposals, the latest plan would see the western wing of the police station torn down to make way for the restaurant, while the remaining tower would be turned into 15 apartments plus new shops. More than 70 objections have been lodged against the scheme – including concerns from city MP Chi Onwurah, Newcastle University and the West End Residents Association.
However, the project has been recommended for approval by civic centre planning officers ahead of a council planning committee meeting on Friday. It comes after the developers agreed to a restriction that would ban the drive-thru from being used as a hot food takeaway, while windows at the back of the proposed flats would also be obscure glazed to address previous concerns about them overlooking neighbouring homes.
A report to the committee concluded that the plans were “well designed to promote community cohesion, wellbeing and to reflect and enhance the area’s character and natural environment”.
Ms Onwurah, the MP for Newcastle Central, raised long-standing concerns about the impact that a new fast food outlet could have on childhood obesity rates in the West End. She also aired fears about a litter blight in the area causing a “major problem in attracting vermin and allowing them to flourish”, as well as the potential for greater traffic congestion and air pollution.
The residents association said that locals had “consistently expressed great concern” about the drive-thru and urged the council to impose conditions banning major takeaway brands, as well as forcing the restaurant to shut at 9pm.
The planning application, prepared by Hedley Planning Services, states that “careful consideration” was given to the planning inspector decision against their previous proposal and that the latest plans would represent “a high-quality redevelopment which provides significant economic benefits”. It adds: “There would be a requirement regarding restricting the end user of the restaurant/ drive thru as was detailed in the inquiry. The proposal does not currently have an end user; however, it is certain that this will not be a McDonalds. The Applicant is willing to accept a condition relating to this.”
Read Next:
- Council chiefs grilled over Jesmond road closures as low traffic neighbourhood design put under review
- Union 'disappointed' by Northumbria Police plans to axe majority of its PCSOs in £12m budget cuts
- Second seat up for grabs in Newcastle election battleground after North Jesmond Labour councillor resigns
- Plans lodged for 1,600 more homes in controversial development on outskirts of Newcastle
- Plans for anti-social behaviour wardens in Newcastle dropped as council goes 'back to the drawing board'
