Award-winning developer submits plans for “exceptional” Newcastle development

Award winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has submitted a full planning application for its “exciting” 146 home BTR scheme in Newcastle.

Named Benwell Dene, plans for the site, located two miles west of Newcastle city centre, would deliver a variety of two, three and four-bedroom homes available for long term rent. The proposed scheme will redevelop the 2.75ha brownfield site which has been vacant for over a decade.

Benwell Dene has been designed in partnership with JM Architects and Southern Green. The design integrates a network of sustainable urban drainage systems and Placefirst’s well renowned communal green spaces, as well as public open space and an area dedicated to habitat creation and biodiversity net gain.

The plans also respond to the historic layout of the site, working with the existing levels to create a modern and sustainable interpretation of the traditional terrace street pattern, with “unique” communal spaces which maximise views across the Tyne Valley.

Placefirst has worked collaboratively with Newcastle City Council and earlier this year held a public consultation to present the proposed scheme and engage with local residents for their input. Other key members of the project team include civil and structural engineers, Curtins, project managers and planning consultants, Identity Consult, and MEP consultants, TACE.

Placefirst boasts a portfolio of single-family rental homes in the North East which continues to grow. Neighbourhoods include ‘The Green’ in Hartlepool, ‘Scholars View’ in Hetton-le-Hole, a community of 116 new build homes, and ‘The Oaks’ at Esh Winning in Durham, where work started in September 2022.

Placefirst manages every aspect of each neighbourhood with specialist teams, from the first rental enquiry through to maintaining each home with an on site presence once complete. Residents at Benwell Dene would benefit from skilled, friendly in-house teams, and dedicated resident services managers. If approved, work is expected to start later this year.

James Litherland, head of planning at Placefirst commented: “Our plans for Benwell Dene seek to provide quality and choice in the single-family BTR sector which is currently underserved in Newcastle.

“We have designed a stand out neighbourhood which integrates sustainable features such as an innovative urban drainage network, communal open space and areas dedicated to resident well-being and habitat creation.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to transform this prominent brownfield site in the heart of the West End into an exceptional neighbourhood of 146 new homes. It has been designed specifically for long term rent and residents would benefit from well-maintained, energy efficient homes, with a strong sense of community.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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