Row breaks out over plans for new city flats
Xsite ArchitectureHundreds of people have signed a petition over concerns about the impact of a new block of flats on a neighbourhood.
Earlier this month, Newcastle City Council's planning committee granted approval for 57 flats to be built in Ouseburn.
An online petition signed by more than 1,600 people has now called on the council to reconsider the decision, arguing the "overpriced" flats would threaten the area's creative community and wildlife.
The local authority said those who disagreed with its planning permission decision did not have the appeal rights but could seek a judicial review through the courts.
The petition, which was launched after permission for the Lime Street development was granted, states it will contain no affordable housing and will see 40 trees felled.
It also said the flats put existing and new late-night venues in the area at risk as they could face future noise complaints from the residents.
Following the petition's circulation, the developers, led by By the River Brew Co. co-founder Rob Cameron, posted on to social media to push back on some of the claims.
'Late-night venues safe'
The developers said the trees would be replaced and new shrubs and grasses planted.
They also said the Lime Street block had been developed so there would be "no conflict" between music venues and residents.
"Rigorous, precise and detailed noise testing has been carried out," they said.
The post also acknowledged the scheme's lack of affordable housing.
In its planning application, the developers said that was due to project's lack of financial viability if they were forced to include some low-cost homes or pay a levy.
However the developers said they would pay some money to the council to fund low-cost homes if the complex proved to be profitable.
The council said the full terms of the deal were yet to be agreed.
An earlier version of the development had been rejected in 2023 over concerns it would harm the Ouseburn Valley conservation area and inadequate light levels in some of the flats.
A planning inspector later upheld that decision after the developer appealed, but new versions of the plans were unanimously approved by the planning committee earlier this month.
Newcastle City Council's assistant director of planning Louise Sloan said the local authority was satisfied it had assessed the latest plans in accordance with all rules and guidelines.
She said if a judicial review was sought out, it would have to be done within statutory time limits.
