Quayside development plans "unanimously condemned" by local residents

A North East council has seen backlash from its community following a planning application for a new apartment block.

Newcastle City Council has seen controversy around a potential property development on a parcel of land at Newcastle Quayside.

St Ann’s Quay and High Quays, situated either side of the proposed development, are in opposition to the development, which they have said is “totally out of scale with existing apartment blocks” and will “infringe rights to sunlight and daylight”.

Louise Richley, director at St Ann’s Quay Management, commented: “This should be a truly significant moment and one of civic pride, as it reflects the final piece in the acclaimed rejuvenation of the area, which is famous across the globe and completes the Quayside masterplan of Sir Terry Farrell.

“Instead, we have a planning application that is unanimously condemned by its potential near neighbours due to its size, scale and clear lack of consideration for those around it.

“We recognise and welcome the need for a development to take place on this site but this is not the answer.

“This will be a real PR own goal for the city council and must be rejected.

“Having consulted with a planning expert we are in a position to highlight a number of issues which must be addressed.

“Instead of sweeping views of the Quayside and River Tyne, residents now face the impact of a development that threatens the very character of the Quayside.

“At St Ann’s Quay, 25 occupiers of east-facing apartments will see their views significantly reduced due to the proposed height, scale and proximity of the development, which will affect their outlook, sunlight and daylight.

“11 apartments also risk losing their privacy due to being completely overlooked.”

Ian McGlasson, director for High Quays, said: “We are against the proposed development for a number of reasons, one being our concern about the level of traffic the development will bring.

“City Road is often a source of gridlock in rush hour traffic and the surrounding streets are crowded with street parkers.

“The new proposal only includes 47 parking spaces for 292 apartments, it’s just not viable.

“Parking spaces in High Quays and St Ann’s are already over-subscribed and that’s one space per apartment.

“Even if tenants initially don’t have a car, what governance is there if they change job and need one? This will result in further crowding on Horatio Street and Ouseburn.”

A council spokesperson said: “We have received a planning application for apartments on Newcastle Quayside.

“The application is currently out to public consultation which ends on June 13.

“It will be considered by planning committee and all representations will be taken into account before any decision is taken.”

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