Plans to build iconic flats with issues described as
DEVELOPERS WITHDRAW SCHEME FOR BLOCKS OF APARTMENTS
HOPES of building hundreds of new flats in Shieldfield have been abandoned over “unresolvable issues” between developers and council planners.
Plans for three huge blocks of apartments in Stoddart Street were touted as “iconic” when they were lodged in 2018.
But the scheme, which would have comprised 368 flats and eight shops, will no longer be going ahead after developers withdrew their plans.
Newcastle City Council documents blame “unresolvable issues with the proposed layout, scale and massing of the blocks” for the collapse of the plans, as well as road safety issues and “inadequacies and omissions” in technical reports provided by the developers.
They add that applicants Stoddart Street Developments Ltd and JEDS Investments Ltd are “no longer pursuing the proposals and the applicant’s agent has provided written request to withdraw the application”.
The land is the final development plot within the Portland Green Student Village site east of the city centre, and was previously earmarked for accommodation blocks for almost 1,000 students.
This latest plan would have featured three blocks between seven and 11 storeys tall, made up of one or two-bedroom apartments and studios.
The Ouseburn Trust had objected to the plans, warning that the giant buildings would “create a canyon-like effect in the neighbouring streets and pathways”.
The trust also raised concerns that the 104 parking spaces allotted for residents would be insufficient for the 368 flats and said it was “likely” that the development could be used as yet more student flats in the area.
JEDS Investments did not respond to a request for comment.
The developers’ website says the Shieldfield plans were submitted after “detailed design negotiations” with the city council and praised the area as one that is “fast becoming the first choice location for many young professionals”.
A planning application submitted by KDP Architects added that the housing project would “create an iconic development at a key location”.
It said: “We believe the proposed high-quality development will be a welcome addition to the local area and community. The scheme looks to provide an attractive proposals that will provide a series of building of local interest.
“The design and landscaping will look to ensure the proposals sit well within the local context and not just be a neutral addition but a positive contemporary development in the area. Therefore we believe that this application should be supported.”