Bellway bus link heads to committee
The short stretch of road will connect the housebuilder’s West and East Callerton housing developments, providing increased access to public transport.
Newcastle City Council’s planning committee will also consider the demolition of Hadrian House and its replacement by a student living scheme, recommended for approval ahead of August’s cancelled committee meeting.
The Bellway proposal, also recommended for approval, comes as a condition of the outline permission given as the North East housing giant advanced its Callerton masterplan. Hybrid consent in 2016 gave permission for round 450-550 homes in each of the two (east and west) developments.
A reserved matters application, this covers all aspects of a bus, cycle, and pedestrian link road, on a site bounded by Whorlton Hall and cottages to the north, Westerhope golf course to the east and Stamfordham Road and Chapel Park estate to the south and west.
The route would run between the the east and west Middle Callerton developments. Essentially, it is a bus-only road, with a cycling/pedestrian link alongside, that will allow for a lopped bus service between the two developments.
There is some opposition – 32 public objections have been submitted, some of hich touch on the point made by Woolsington Parish Council, also an objector. The query is that the link road was proposed when more amenities, such as local centre retail, were proposed, but they have now been ditched.
However, as set out in the officer report, many West Callerton residents at present are outside of the maximum recommended 400m from public transport access. Both bus operator Stagecoach and regional transport body Nexus support the scheme, with officers reporting regular contact from Nexus as to delivery.
Hedely Planning and RWO are on the professional team.
Documents relating to the application can be seen on Newcastle’s planning portal, reference 2015/0897/78/RES
