Architect denies building conflict
Reporter THE architects behind controversial plans for an aparthotel in Ouseburn have defended the development, saying it “is not in conflict” with the area’s live music scene.
More than 8,000 people have signed an online petition against the proposal amid fears it would generate noise complaints from guests and threaten the music venues on either side.
Owner of The Tyne Bar, Fred Plater, who launched the petition, said that, if given the green light, the aparthotel would stand “barely 40 yards” from the venue’s beer garden and “inevitably result in noise complaints”.
Now applicants Miller Partnership Architects have moved to reassure businesses that the proposal “is not in conflict with the live music scene in Ouseburn”.
A previous proposal for homes on the Maling Street site was refused by councillors last year because of its proximity to music venues.
Stephen Miller, from the architects firm, said: “Since then, our team has worked hard with Newcastle City Council to consider alternatives and develop a proposal which is complimentary to the live music scene. An aparthotel next door to a venue has a very different set of considerations than a family house. While it is technically feasible to acoustically insulate one use from another, it was considered that the implications on long-term residents – for example – not being able to open windows, would compromise enjoyment of their homes.
“With hotel accommodation, the situation is very different. Many hotels the world over – some in much more noisy locations than the Ouseburn – are sealed, air-conditioned and acoustically isolated from their surroundings.”
Mr Miller said that the firm had carried out a detailed “acoustic survey”, to gauge what noise levels will be at any location around the new building.
He said: “There are acceptable decibel levels (35db) written into the rules of Planning and Environmental Health – and even with a band playing at full volume, residents in the hotel will not be disturbed.”
He also denied claims the 18-bed aparthotel would “gentrify” the Ouseburn Valley.
“This is a derelict, structurally condemned empty building. Our team of local land owners, who are publicans themselves, want to positively contribute to this vision, to turn an incongruous old structure into something positive for the local community and economy.”