Residents object to ‘eco’ homes on land near village
OBJECTIONS to plans for a small development near a North Tyneside village have flooded in.
Killingworth residents have spoke of their anger at plans for the 14 houses near their village. Gladglider Ladycross Ltd is behind proposals to the four-bedroom homes on land east of Killingworth Road.
A design and access statement lodged with North Tyneside Council claimed that development’s focus on environmental sustainability would make it “unique” in the borough.
It said: “This development will be unique within North Tyneside with its focus on sustainability both in materials but in the lifespan of the house through additional environmental techniques and materials.”
But some neighbours have spoken against the plans with 156 objections to the proposals sent to the authority. Graffiti condemning the scheme has been daubed on a wall near the site.
Objectors raised fears about traffic and the impact on the environment.
One told the council that the housing is not needed in the area.
They wrote: “Executive housing is not needed, what is needed is starter homes and old folks’ accommodation in the right place. Executive homes are not needed on this dangerous access site.”
Another objector claimed that the plans mean “poor traffic safety on a road that is already at capacity”.
An objector claimed that the developments in the area made it at risk of turning into a “concrete jungle”.
One wrote: “Why take yet more beautiful greenery and nature from Killingworth and its surrounding areas to build more charmless, overpriced eye sores!”
The applicant has pointed to the scheme’s eco credentials, listing a range of features designed to protect the environment.
These include sourcing materials locally to reduce its carbon footprint and support the local economy,
Electric vehicle charging points will also be installed and the new houses will be equipped with air source heat pumps which give warmth without carbon emissions.
The homes will also utilise rainwater harvesting which helps to reduce the water consumption of the individual dwelling as well as reducing storm water run-off.
The homes will also be tripleglazed, insulated and fitted with solar panels in a bid to save even more energy.
This appealed to nine supporters of the proposal, and one said: “We have been looking for a family home built to a standard that can mitigate our carbon footprint through sustainable low carbon construction for years and have not managed to find anything close.”
The authority is expected to decide on the plans by November.