New aparthotel gets go-ahead for Ouseburn despite 11,000-name petition against it
PLANS for a modern aparthotel in the Ouseburn Valley have been approved – despite concerns it will threaten the nearby live music scene and “ruin” the area by attracting stag and hen parties.
More than 11,000 people had signed a petition against the proposed 18-bed development amid fears of noise complaints from guests.
Fred Plater, owner of the Tyne Bar, said if approved the aparthotel would stand “30 yards” from the venue’s beer garden and “inevitably result in noise complaints”.
But Newcastle City Council’s planning officers said the applicants had “tried really hard” to make sure the Maling Street development would fit in with the character of the Ouseburn Valley.
And the authority’s planning committee approved the plans by 11 votes to two yesterday.
Speaking against the plans, Mr Plater said the Tyne Bar had been hosting live music events for 22 years and was “instrumental” in both the success of the Ouseburn Valley and helping new bands. But he said over the past few years the venue had reduced its number of gigs by around two thirds after complaints from residents at the Malings development – despite assurances from developers they “wouldn’t have their wings clipped” when the new homes were built.
He said: “One lady regularly complains that when we have live music it sounds like the band’s playing in her living room – she’s 60 yards away and this will be 30.”
He said the number of signatures opposing the plans showed “the special place Ouseburn has in people’s hearts and their wish to see it preserved”.
“Ouseburn is a very special place – we don’t have doormen, we don’t have a police presence, because we’re civilised.
“The last thing we want is stag and hen parties. The Ouseburn Valley would be ruined by that sort of activity.”
But Harvey Emms of Lichfields, representing the applicants Miller Partnership Architects, said the aparthotel “would be marketed as a location to enjoy the Ouseburn Valley”.
He told councillors the applicants lived and worked in the area, adding: “I can’t see why they would want to pick apart the life blood of the Ouseburn Valley.”
Following the decision, councillor Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for employment, said: “The Ouseburn is an increasingly popular part of the city with a unique cultural offer.
“I welcome the go-ahead for this aparthotel that will be good for local restaurants, bars and shops.”