Controversial energy park heads to Gateshead committee
Approval is recommended for a project featuring battery energy storage and a solar array, while members will also consider a Topgolf facility at the Federation Brewery site.
Renewal energy park – application DC/24/00429/FUL
The proposals by Exagen for a renewable energy park across two plots of land west of Coalburns substation – between the villages of Chopwell and Greenside – have aroused strong local opposition.
More than 500 opponents of the scheme have registered their displeasure, across direct objections and a petition.
Although officers recommend members approve the project, it would still need to go to the Secretary of State for sign-off.
This is due to the site’s allocation as Green Belt – although the applicant contends that it should be considered as grey belt, per the government’s newly introduced definition. The council is broadly in agreement.
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Exagen describes the scheme as a temporary energy park, with a 40-year lifespan suggested.
The northern parcel comprises eight fields west of Lead Road, and would house the BESS (battery energy storage system) and 45% of the solar panels, while the southern parcel is made up of 22 fields, and would house the remaining 55% of the solar array.
Like other councils, Gateshead has declared a climate emergency, and ultimately needs to find workable ways of reducing reliance on greenhouse gases.
The council’s energy team has reviewed, and accepted, the applicant’s assertion that the proposed development would provide enough energy to power up to 18,800 homes, or 21% of the homes in Gateshead, and displace around 22,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Golf facility at Federation Brewery – application DC/24/00220/FUL
Immediately east of the Metrocentre, Topgolf proposes the demolition of slabs to make way for the development of a multi-level golf entertainment leisure facility.
The site is bounded by Cross Lane and Wellington Road to the north and west, Lancaster Road to the east, and the A1 to the south.
The Federation Brewery operated at the site until 2010, with brewery buildings then pulled down in 2013, since when the site has remained vacant and unused, with only temporary occupation during works to the A1.
As set out by officers, “given this prolonged period of inactivity and the removal of all associated structures, it is considered that the former industrial use has been abandoned”. It also sits within the MetroGreen area action plan, which looks to encourage residential and mixed-use development around the shopping centre.
TopGolf’s attraction would include a three-storey building housing 102 golf hitting bays arranged across three levels.
The building would include a bar and restaurant, event space, lounge areas, rooftop terrace, and back-of-house functions. The external layout of the site will accommodate a large outfield area for golf gameplay, enclosed by high-level netting supported by poles reaching up to 52m in height. Access to the site will be taken from the existing road network, with internal circulation routes leading to a 400-capacity car park, including an overflow area of 100 spaces.
Hard and soft landscaping is included, Two large digital screens have been removed from the plans since their original submission.
Architect Mountford Pigott is working with TopGolf.
Only a handful of objections have been made. Approval is recommended, with conditions included relating to ecological enhancements and lighting of roads.
