Eight-floor block for students on the way
AGREEMENT REACHED FOR FORMER SITE OF LOCAL ITV STUDIOS
Reporter A DEVELOPER has been given the green light to build on the last remaining plot of the former Tyne Tees Television site in Newcastle, after a six-month delay.
Plans to build 227 new student flats at the former studios in City Road had been approved in principle by councillors in January.
However, it has taken until now for Newcastle City Council officers and the developer, CRSH, to conclude a legal agreement over the site.
With formal planning permission now granted for the eight-storey development, the proposals can now move forward.
The former TTTV site is already home to another major student development – Tyne Student Living – as well as the Tube Court residential apartments.
CRSH had previously been granted permission to erect 207 flats on the site, but redesigned its plans to remove cluster flats from the layout in favour of studio flats.
The developer said the changes were made in line with market demand, which showed that students preferred studio units over cluster flats.
A total of 15 objections were made to the plans by neighbours, who were concerned over the “over-supply” of student accommodation in the city as well as the potential noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour resulting from the development.
However, council officers concluded that the design was acceptable.
They said: “The principle of the redevelopment of the site for student accommodation is considered to be acceptable as is the design, layout and visual impact of the proposed building.
“The development would not adversely impact upon the amenities of neighbouring residents so as to warrant a refusal of planning permission.
“Furthermore, it is not considered that the proposed development would result in conditions prejudicial to highway safety.”
The city’s student population has grown from around 25,271 in 2001 to around 42,565 today.