Plans include new access to the site, off Newbiggin Lane. Credit: planning documents

Westerhope resi tipped for rejection

Newcastle City Council’s planning committee is recommended to refuse consent for 52 homes in a project put forward by Falcon Homes North East.

The local authority’s planning committee is due to consider the plans at its meeting on Friday 26 July.

Advised by Cundall, with Mario Minchella Architects as designer, the applicant has put forward proposals for 26 four- and five-bedroom detached houses, along with a four-storey apartment building comprising 26 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including four duplexes.

Falcon’s proposed site is adjacent to Pecks Hall Farm, off Newbiggin Lane, Westerhope. The scheme includes undercroft and surface parking.

Various concerns have been raised by statutory consultees. Among these are Woolsington Parish Council and National Highways, while council departments to raise points include transportation development and flood management.

Addressing ‘design, layout and visual impact,’ planning officers conclude that “it is considered that the overall layout, housing typology, density, massing and design of the proposed development is poorly considered for the site context and does not reflect the context of the area surrounding the site”

Among concerns are the relationship between the proposed apartment block and detached dwellings, which represents “a fundamental issue in respect to the layout,” officers adding that “insufficient detail and consideration has been given as to the design and materiality both of the detached dwellings and particularly the apartment block”. Issues are compounded by a lack of landscaping and tree planting, and an excess of hardstanding.

Other issues raised include concerns over a lack of thought for green space and/or play space.

Summing up, officers talk of “fundamental concerns” and state that “although the applicants have confirmed that they are willing to make contributions towards off site provision for education, allotments and affordable housing, it is noted that they have not agreed to make a contribution towards off-site sports facilities and maintenance and monitoring of onsite facilities and as such the application would be unacceptable”.

In total, 10 reasons are given as grounds for recommending refusal.

The proposals can be viewed on Newcastle City Council’s planning portal with the reference 2024/0700//01/DET.

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