Byker riverview flats plans are rejected
A Government inspector has rejected heavily-ridiculed plans for riverview flats that could have left future residents plagued by disgusting smells and potentially put the Byker tip at risk of closure.
Newcastle City Council turned down proposals to build 58 flats on the former St Peter’s Scrapyard in Walker Road more than a year ago, amid warnings that residents would be forced to put up with vile odours and noise from the neighbouring tip and waste treatment station – and that their inevitable complaints would pose a threat to the site’s future operations.
Developers lodged an appeal in the hope of having that verdict overturned, but a planning inspector has now sided with the council in opposing the project.
Adrian Caines concluded that putting three apartment blocks on the vacant scrapyard could “unacceptably prejudice the council’s essential waste management and recycling infrastructure and services” and expose residents to “harmful odour effects”.
Coun John-Paul Stephenson, the council’s cabinet member for environment and regulation, said: “Residents have complained about odour coming from the site for years so building more housing even nearer to it would really not have made sense.
“This could have led to restrictions on the operations of the plant – not good bearing in mind it is the city’s main facility for processing household waste and recycling.
“It could have impacted the council’s entire waste management service which could have caused the council big problems.
“The site is not suitable for residential development and so I am delighted the inspector has upheld planning committee’s decision.”
Byker councillor Nick Kemp, who was the council’s cabinet member in charge of waste collections at the time, told a planning committee hearing in March 2019 that it would be “insane” and “ludicrous” to have a housing development so near to the tip.
However, developers labelled the plans’ initial refusal as “unfounded and unjustified”.
In their appeal to the planning inspectorate, Yasser Alamoudi Limited claimed fears over the stench from the tip were “contrary to the professional view of officers and odour specialists”, as councillors had defied the advice of civic centre planners who expressed support for the project.
In a statement submitted by England Lyle Good town planners, the developer argued the three apartment blocks “do not lead to an unacceptable level of residential amenity for any future residents, or impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties”.
But Mr Caines’ report concluded: “I cannot rule out the possibility that future occupiers of the development could be exposed to harmful odour effects from the Byker Waste Treatment and Transfer Station (BWTTS).
“There is also a realistic prospect that the proposal could lead to further odour-related complaints against the BWTTS.
“This could result in further costly measures and restrictions being placed on its operations.
“Not only would this disadvantage an existing business, but it could also unacceptably prejudice the Council’s essential waste management and recycling infrastructure and services.”
Has any Hollywood story. But actress and theatre director Moji Elufowoju has always refused to follow the script.
Now 56, she swapped a career as a paralegal to study drama in her forties before founding Sheffield-based Utopia Theatre Company in 2012.
And as a British-born, Nigerian-raised performer, Moji says she had to battle discrimination in an industry where ethnic minorities have struggled for opportunities. She broke through after “continually banging my head against a brick wall and refusing to take no for an answer”. She is now determined to inspire a new generation of black artists.
“There’s a white middle-class club in British theatre and it can make the industry inaccessible to others – whether that’s performing, playwriting or simply being in the audience,” says Moji.
“You can feel invisible, and I know a lot of black creatives with mental health issues as a result.
“Utopia Theatre is all about giving diverse people a voice. We showcase African culture and traditions, through classic plays and new material.”
Last month, Utopia
Theatre launched the
Creative Hub, a free six-month programme of virtual workshops to combat the devastating effects of lockdown on the profession.
More than 40 African theatre professionals are offering free online masterclasses to people of African origin aged
16 and older, with performances streamed online.
Thanks to players of The National Lottery, around £30million a week is funding good causes like Utopia Theatre, and Moji has been nominated for a National Lottery Award for her work on the Creative Hub.
“The nomination makes all my hard work worthwhile,” she says. “The Creative Hub ensures black artists continue to have income and remain visible. Thanks to National Lottery players we’re sharing the arts with a growing global audience, and words can’t convey the positive impact of this.”