New flats will ‘threaten the character of Quayside’
PLANS for a massive new apartment block overlooking the Tyne “threaten the very character of the Quayside”, opponents have warned.
Designs were unveiled earlier this year for a 292-flat building as well as shops and restaurants on one of the last undeveloped parcels of land on the Newcastle Quayside.
But the ‘plot 12’ project has been met with a backlash, with neighbours fearing the 14-storey development will have a devastating impact.
Residents of the smaller St Ann’s Quay and High Quays buildings are said to have “unanimously condemned” the plans, which are led by construction firm Robertson and landlord Packaged Living.
St Ann’s Quay Management director Louise Richley warned that the new block risks damaging existing residents’ views of the iconic Quayside and infringing their rights to sunlight and daylight.
She said: “This should be a truly significant moment and one of civic pride, as it reflects the final piece in the acclaimed rejuvenation of the area, which is famous across the globe and completes the Quayside masterplan of Sir Terry Farrell.
“Instead, we have a planning application that is unanimously condemned by its potential near neighbours due to its size, scale and clear lack of consideration for those around it.
“We recognise and welcome the need for a development to take place on this site but this is not the answer. This will be a real PR own goal for the city council and must be rejected.”
She added: “Instead of sweeping views of the Quayside and River Tyne, residents now face the impact of a development that threatens the very character of the Quayside.”
High Quays director Ian McGlasson added that the new flats would bring even more traffic to an area already plagued by rush hour gridlock and that building just 47 new parking spaces for 292 apartments is “just not viable”.
Father Allan Marks, of the Grade I-listed St Ann’s Church in City Road, fears the new apartments will cause “permanent damage” to the 250-year-old place of worship.
He said: “As it was the city council who originally built and paid for the construction of Saint Ann’s in 1768, it is hoped they might ensure we retain our close relationship with the River Tyne, though from the plans we have seen we will be left with nothing more than a token view of the river, which means our historic position and heritage view will be lost forever if this development is allowed to go ahead.”
The developer was contacted for a response.
Their planning application states that the building is “not read as larger or out of proportion to the surrounding buildings”.
It adds: “It is felt that the increased proximity of the proposed building to City Road lends itself better to a connection with the City Road apartments at High Quay, which has influenced the approach to massing and scale.
“In addition, the top height of the building is set lower than the top of the spire at St Ann’s Church, preserving the priority of status of the church.”
A council spokesperson said: “We have received a planning application for apartments on Newcastle Quayside. The application is currently out to public consultation which ends on June 13.
It will be considered by planning committee and all representations will be taken into account before any decision is taken.”