The next stage of controversial plans to nestle homes in a Gateshead town park have been lodged with the council.
In July a political row erupted when the Liberal Democrats claimed that Labour dominated Gateshead Council intended to “sell off” Chase Park, in Whickham, for housing.
At the time a senior authority figure has denied that the park is for sale.
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Coun John Adams, cabinet member for housing, confirmed that the borough was discussing proposals to develop a disused depot next to the park.
In 2019 the planning committee approved the authority’s application for permission in principle to build up to six homes on the derelict plot.
The buildings on the site, described as being “vacant and in poor condition”, were previously a council depot, storage for the park and an adult day care centre.
Planning officers recommended the plans be granted, saying the site – off Rectory Lane – would be acceptable for residential development.
Now, Linnel Homes Limited has come forward with proposals to build four, four bedroom, detached houses on the Front Street Site.
A design and access statement lodged with the council said that the houses would “respond well” to the public park surrounding them.
It said: “The proposed site is surrounded by Chase Park, however the proposal has been crafted into its form with care and consideration. It responds well to the surrounding physical and environmental context.
“The site will provide 4 x 4 bed detached family homes in close proximity to the local town. The proposed house types focus on a contemporary design with the use of high quality natural materials such as stone, slate and timber cladding while referencing many local architectural details – integrating well into the surroundings of Whickham.
“The proposal is well designed and to be built to stand the test of time. It is proposed as an asset to the area that makes the most of the current dilapidated existing buildings on the site.”
Gateshead council is yet to decide on the proposals.
