Plans to redevelop the site of a former Whitley Bay church ravaged by fire will finally be heard by councillors.
The Trinity United Reform Church, on Esplanade, caught fire in 2017 and was left gutted and beyond repair.
The church was eventually demolished in July 2021.
Read More: Fire ravaged Whitley Bay Church reduced to rubble after building left derelict for four years
Now North Tyneside Council councillors will consider an application from Gateshead firm, Fordinghall Ltd, to use the site to construct 12 two-storey terraced homes. The proposed development will consist of five three-bedroom houses and seven two-bedroom homes.
Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea said: "The application is coming to the planning committee and I hope it is given serious consideration by the panel."
Council officers have already recommended to councillors to approve the plans, subject to financial contributions from the developer.
According to Artisan Architecture, the firm in charge of the design of the homes: "The development will bring about a high-quality residential development in a sustainable location which will assist in directly addressing identified housing needs in North Tyneside".
However, some residents have reservations about the development.
One objector took to the council's online planning portal and said: "Parking for residents on Esplanade is a nightmare for residents already as tourists, workers and residents all compete for parking as it is unregulated. I appreciate there is parking with the houses but visitors and if they have more than 2 cars will add to pressure on parking. I would support if regulations were brought in on Esplanade for parking."
Another said: "Very underwhelming proposals poor standard of housing proposed. I've interpreted the plans as essentially how many shoeboxes can you fit on one site. Propose the number of units is reduced to 9 to increase the size of each property.
"This will also make the appearance more in keeping with surrounding homes. The parking plans are inadequate to the rear of the lane, lampposts will need to be moved, access to the back lane will be restricted for delivery vans if larger vehicles such as vans are parked in the proposed bays."
Councillors will make their decision on March 14 at the council's Cobalt HQ.
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