Aug 23 2007
Ambitious plans to transform Scotswood with up to 1,800 new homes have been approved by councillors.
Members of the council’s development control committee today agreed to grant permission for the outline application to build a housing-led mixed-use development that will transform 150 acres into one of the most up and coming parts of Newcastle.
The council will now refer the application to the Government Office for the North East for its approval before finally granting planning permission.
At the heart of phase one of the development will be the UK’s first ever housing Expo – an exhibition of up to 350 new homes which will attract visitors from all over Europe.
When it opens in the summer of 2010 it is expected to attract visitors from all over Europe.
A further 1,450 homes will follow. A range of house types, sizes and styles are proposed with emphasis on family homes (75 per cent), predominantly two to three storeys with a few four storeys closer to the neighbourhood centre.
There are also outline plans for a new neighbourhood centre with businesses, community facilities, shops, cafes and high quality spaces.
Exact layout, scale and appearance will be subject to more detailed plans in the near future.
The masterplan, put together by consultants on behalf of the council, has involved Scotswood residents at every stage and has previously been approved by the Scotswood and Benwell Project Board which consists of residents’ representatives.
Board member and local resident, Nellie Ternent, said: “We have worked on this project for seven years and it's great to see that something is going to come out of it at long last.
"Residents have waited so long for something to happen, we'll be glad when the first bricks are laid."
Executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, Coun Mike Cookson, said: “I am delighted the application has been approved by the committee.
“With the people of Scotswood we have put a lot of hard work into this and I am confident we are now on the verge of creating the kinds of neighbourhoods people in Scotswood deserve with new housing, better shops, parks, open spaces and a greener, cleaner environment.’’
The council issued a European-wide advert in July, to find a private sector partner who will support the delivery of the £380m Scotswood masterplan and bring in development expertise and financial resources.
It is anticipated that a partner to take forward the plans will be selected by July next year.