Plan doesn’t fit the Bill
A COMMUNITY has expressed its outrage after controversial plans to build homes on a green strip of land in Gateshead were approved – despite hundreds of objections.
Gentoo Homes’ proposal to build 30 homes in Bill Quay was approved by councillors at Gateshead Council’s planning and development committee last week.
The decision was taken in spite of 316 objections being lodged with the authority, in addition to a petition listing 499 signatures.
And neighbours who have united to form Bill Quay Residents Group have expressed their disgust at the plans being given the green light.
Judith Hudson, 62, who has lived in Bill Quay for more than 40 years, said: “My initial reaction at the decision was complete shock. There’s always a lot of emotion with these applications.
“When so many of the public have presented their objections, I find it extremely sad the plans were still approved.”
Concerns raised by the group focused upon the increase in traffic and concerns over road safety, as well as the impact of the new homes on local wildlife.
Objections to the plans for land next to Gullane Close were also lodged by neighbouring South Tyneside Council, Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn, and ward councillors Ian Patterson and Jill Green.
Planning committee members were split in their judgement, with eight members voting in favour of the scheme and five against.
Rob Storey, 58, of Marian Drive, a homeowner of 26 years, said: “I felt extreme disappointment when I heard the news.
“How can two councils be so diametrically opposed on the importance of the wildlife corridor?”
“The elderly residents in the area will have their lives changed. You are basically making a cul-desac, where the age demographic is over 70, into a busy thoroughfare.
“We’ll be getting together with the wider community as we need to consider what we will do next.”
Speaking on the proposal, Gentoo Homes managing director Anthony Lowther said: “Gentoo Homes prides itself on being a responsible housing developer and we have taken all of the feedback from residents on board whilst carefully developing proposals for this scheme.
“This is in addition to us commissioning independent specialists to carry out ecology and highway surveys relating to the residents’ concerns.”
RESIDENTS’ ANGER AS HOMES ARE GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT