Townhouse plan for derelict care home
A RUN-DOWN care home in a busy part of Gosforth will be demolished and replaced with a modern townhouse development.
The North Road Care Home closed down approximately two years ago after falling into administration and has since been plagued by vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
But that looks set to come to an end, with council bosses approving plans on Friday morning to tear down the facility and redevelop the land for housing.
The Hollywood Avenue site, next to Marks and Spencer and Asda, is now officially earmarked for 13 new townhouses.
Despite fears from neighbours and councillors that the scheme will exacerbate traffic congestion problems in the area, the project was swiftly approved by Newcastle City Council’s planning committee.
The authority’s cabinet member for housing, Coun Linda Hobson, said afterwards: “There is a huge demand for housing not just in Newcastle but nationally, so I welcome the development of 13 townhouses in this part of Gosforth.
“It is particularly pleasing that as part of the 106 agreement the developer will contribute £25,000 towards sport and recreation in the city which will encourage health and wellbeing.”
The developer, Michael Sehgal Properties, reduced the number of three or four-bedroom townhouses it will build from 15 to 13 after the first set of designs were met with opposition.
Concerns were raised about the development adding to traffic problems on Hollywood Avenue, particularly while Salters Bridge is closed.
Parklands ward councillor Robin
Ashby said that, while there were long-standing
worries about the vandalism at the empty care home, the area could become a “permanent bottleneck” if plans to shut the bridge go ahead. One objecting resident added: “Demolishing this impressive property on Hollywood Avenue, which could in fact be rescued, and made back into an obvious asset to the area, would be a disgraceful waste. Why is it even being considered?
“Other proposals, which involve saving the original main building, should be given priority and encouragement, over the current proposed development, which is neither appropriate, or of any real merit.”
However, the council said it had “limited powers to bring the empty building back into use or to retain the existing villas”.
Architects from Newcastle-based firm Ryder say that the development will offer “modern townhouse living” and “high-quality accommodation with private gardens to
the front and rear”.