Member Article

View row building plans rejected

Plans to build a 13-storey apartment block near one of Newcastle’s most celebrated river views have been rejected. George Wimpey wanted to develop land close to the Free Trade Inn, which overlooks the River Tyne’s quayside.

A petition, promoted on social networking site Facebook and signed by 1,300 people, claimed the scheme would ruin the pub’s view and diminish the area’s character. The plans were rejected by Newcastle City Council despite being recommended for approval by planning officials.

The building firm had called the application “a positive step towards regeneration of a derelict site”. But opponents of the proposals, said they would have robbed the area of its identity.

The Free Trade Inn, on the Ouseburn Valley, overlooks the Tyne’s regenerated riverside, including the Baltic and The Sage, as well as the bridges.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .