The local authority has sided with developers and approved the construction of hundreds of new homes
Kibblesworth bank, Gateshead(Image: Simon Greener)
Property giant Taylor Wimpey has been granted permission for the construction of 270 homes in Gateshead despite local opposition.
Gateshead Council’s planning and development committee has given the go ahead for hundreds of new homes in Kibblesworth as per local authority officers’ recommendations. The council’s report into the application found “a clear need” for housing in the area on account of local need to manage population growth and help close Gateshead’s shortfall in housing.
The scheme requires the demolition of West Farm to make way for 29 two-bedroom, 103 three-bedroom, 118 four-bedroom, and 20 five-bedroom homes.
The council’s report states: “[The] Development would provide a mix of house types including much needed family homes, with the overall scheme to help support economic growth, sustain the village’s existing services, and provide tangible benefits to existing resident in relation to flood risks and sustainable transport.”
However, since 2022, the local authority logged 148 letter of objection and several petitions amassing hundreds of signatures against the proposed development. The area had been earmarked for houses since 2018, however the developer did not hand over financial contributions to the area in time meaning the application was not granted permission.
Now, new financial contributions have been agreed including £1.7m to improve bus services for Kibblesworth.
Local and objector Julie McAlpine told councillors that residents were concerned about the impact the number of homes would have on local resources. She also informed councillors that the land had previously been capped at 225 homes.
She continued: “Wildlife and ecology could be lost forever. If this goes ahead it will be seven years of noise, dirt, and pollution for local residents.”
In response, Dominic Waugh representing the application said: “This scheme has been 10 years in the making following the sites allocation under the Gateshead Newcastle plan.”
Mr Waugh also stated that the new homes would bring a boost to local businesses and allow for extra funding to the local school, via fuller classrooms. A total of £2.6m will also be allocated to improve local infrastructure.
The plans were approved by the committee by a majority vote of 12 to two abstentions.
Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.
