£9m apartment complex near Ouseburn gets the green light

A new £9m apartment complex overlooking the River Tyne near Ouseburn is set to go ahead following unanimous planning approval.

Permission has been granted for a six-storey residential scheme by developer A&A Properties to be built on derelict land off St Lawrence Road close to the confluence of the Tyne and Ouseburn rivers and to the east of the Free Trade Inn.

A mix of 50 one, two, three and four bedroomed apartments will be created as part of ‘exciting’ plans that also include onsite under croft car parking, cycle parking, new access infrastructure and attractive landscaping.

The investment is set to provide local homeowners with increased housing choice, particularly for first-time buyers and families - they will be able to take advantage of easily accessible and quality accommodation, which will be within easy walking distance of local shops and amenities.

It’s expected that upwards of 155 construction jobs will be created when onsite work starts later this summer, while the local economy will benefit from additional revenue as homeowners start to move in from early 2023 onwards and spend locally.

The development is seen by planning specialist Amelia Robson of Hedley Planning Services, as a big boost for local housing provision, contributing to meeting the demand for quality residential accommodation across North Tyneside and providing significant benefits to the local community.

Welcoming the decision, she said a unanimous approval was a great outcome after working closely with the developers and Newcastle City Council officers on the planning submission.

She said, “this has been a long but ultimately successful engagement with the local authority. A unanimous decision is great news and we now look forward to our plans for the site moving swiftly ahead.

“Planning committee members praised the scheme’s design and respect for the local character. The quality of the site’s green credentials was also noted, particularly the use of green roofs and solar panels along with sustainable drainage and on-site biodiversity techniques.

“The St Lawrence Road neighbourhood is set to be transformed, creating some fantastic high-quality accommodation and contributing significantly to an important part of Newcastle. This all helps to secure a long-lasting legacy for an important part of the city.”