Old pub may make way for housing
A DILAPIDATED former pub in Newcastle could be torn down to make way for new homes and shops.
New plans reveal The Trap, in Coxlodge, could finally be set for demolition after laying empty for more than a decade.
The Kenton Road pub has become the subject of vandalism and is falling into disrepair but a developer now wants to knock the building down and build a new housing and retail complex in its place – comprising two shops, six apartments above and three townhouses.
Plans submitted to Newcastle City Council by Maria Ferguson Planning, on behalf of applicant Mr H Choudhury, state: “The existing building has lain vacant for some time owing to economic pressures and in that time has been the target of vandals and other forms of anti-social behaviour and is falling into increasing disrepair.
“It contributes nothing to the local economy or to the appearance of the local area and it is therefore imperative a new use is found for the site as soon as possible.”
Previous plans approved by the council in 2010 had indicated the site would be converted into a restaurant - but that never came to fruition.
The pub is one of the buildings which originally formed the mining village of Coxlodge but the developer says it has limited value to the area.
They added: “The building is an undesignated heritage asset, in the sense it is not statutorily listed or within a conservation area.
“However, it is locally listed. Its significance lies in the fact it was one of the original buildings of the former mining village of Coxlodge.
“It is not of any particular architectural quality and the principle of its demolition has been accepted in past decision-making. It does not hold a great deal of significance in terms of its value as a heritage asset.”
The proposals have gained the support of Northumbria Police.