Plans to build 60 new homes on the site of a derelict former tile factory look set to be approved.
The proposals will see the properties built on the former Marley Tiles factory on Lead Lane, Newlands near the border between Northumberland and County Durham. The factory has been closed for more than 20 years, and has been described as a “dangerous eyesore” in its current state.
The application was initially submitted by housing developer Story Homes in December 2023. Council planners have recommended the proposals for approval ahead of next Tuesday’s meeting of Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee.
In a planning statement, Story Homes said: “The scheme has been sensitively designed, taking into consideralead lantion the local landscape context, and includes three distinctive character areas set across the three different levels of the site.
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“The development process has involved a public consultation and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, making sure the development will represent locally distinctive Northumberland values. The character areas will fit together seamlessly through the inclusion of landscaping and open space areas, with a village green at the heart of the newly created community.”
The applicant has reduced the number of houses from initial proposals by one, meaning the development will now consist of 23 four-bedroom homes, 31 five-bedroom homes and six six-bedroom properties. However, none of the housing is designated as affordable due to “viability concerns”.
(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
Furthermore, both Shotley Low Quarter Parish Council and Hedley on the Hill Parish Council have raised objections to the plans. Both local councils have raised concerns about highways issues due to increased traffic on Lead Lane, which is single carriageway and has a number of passing places.
It is not the first time plans for housing on the site have come forward since the factory closed more than 20 years ago. In 2019, the county council’s strategic planning committee rejected Bellway Homes’ application for 105 properties on the site.
The applicant then appealed the decision, which was subsequently dismissed by the planning inspectorate in August 2021. The inspector felt that there would be “substantial adverse impacts” as a result of the location and design.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/plans-60-new-homes-dangerous-31078210
