Flats are given go-ahead despite concrete jungle jibe
ANORTH Tyneside flats development which one councillor said would contribute to turning the area into a “concrete jungle” has been approved.
North Tyneside Council’s planning meeting met to decide on the expansion of a Persimmon housing development on land west of Mackley Court, Wallsend.
Persimmon was granted permission to construct a three-storey block of 13 flats on the site.
However, the proposal drew the ire of one particular councillor, who voiced concerns about the increasing use of land for housing across the borough.
Howdon Labour councillor John Hunter said: “I just wonder when are we going to stop building on the big open space we have got left. We are virtually living in a concrete jungle now. It won’t be long before it is a complete concrete jungle.”
Coun Hunter’s comments came even after council officers recommended members approved the development.
The Howdon councillor made similar comments over a controversial council decision to allow the construction of 215 homes in Centurion Park in Wallsend. The application generated hundreds of objections from residents and the Wallsend Boys Club.
The sport club and charity believed the land could be better used by them to expand their sporting operations.
According to council documents: “The Council does not have a fiveyear supply of deliverable housing sites. It, therefore, follows that planning permission should be granted unless the impacts of the development significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.
“In the opinion of officers, the impacts of the development would not significantly and demonstrably
outweigh the benefits. It is therefore recommended that planning permission should be granted”.
Officers did acknowledge there were six objections raised from nearby households. These objections mainly focused on the impact on the landscape, loss of amenities, and traffic congestion.
The local authority will also receive £48,000 in contributions from Persimmon. The cash will be spread across environmental mitigations and primary education.