Derelict city land plot transferred for development
DISUSED RAILWAY YARD SET TO BECOME HOUSING
PLANS to build a new housing estate on a disused railway yard in Heaton have taken a major step towards becoming a reality.
Keepmoat Homes revealed proposals to nearby residents last month for more than 140 houses at Heaton Down Yard, near Chillingham Road Metro station. It has now been confirmed that a deal has been struck for the legal transfer of the derelict land from Network Rail and that a planning application for the project has been submitted to Newcastle City Council.
The developer claimed that most locals were “supportive of the proposals” following a consultation exercise in June and said the new estate, next to Marleen Avenue, would deliver a “lifetime of low energy bills” for its occupants.
Ian Worgan, regional managing director at Keepmoat Homes said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver much-needed new housing in Heaton. We have a strong track record of breathing new life into brownfield land in the city and this scheme follows on previous successes in this respect at The Grove in Byker, The Rise in Scotswood and Dunblane Crescent in West Denton, all delivered in partnership with the Newcastle City Council.
“Our aim is to build 143 new sustainable homes on the disused site, which will provide an increased choice of quality homes for prospective homeowners, including firsttime buyers and those looking to upor-downsize.
“As a company, not only do we strive to create better places for people to live, we place a strong emphasis on supporting and investing in the local community within which we work.”
The housebuilder’s plans are for 143 new homes, each with between two and four bedrooms and boasting “enhanced insulation as well as
energy-efficient designs”. Keepmoat Homes said that the estate would also have “a number of unique biodiversity features” and a dedicated cycling and pedestrian route into it, while also pledging not to cut down a row of trees along Marleen Avenue.
Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said “We are proud to have created a partnership with Keepmoat Homes on the redevelopment of this regionally important brownfield site. It will enable the delivery of 143 new sustainable homes, much needed affordable housing for the North East.
“This is a partnership that aligns with the Government’s strategy to accelerate the rollout of sustainable housing to drive local economic growth. It’s a project that demonstrates the pivotal role the railway can play in unlocking important development sites. The public and private partnership that we’re delivering it through is an approach we are replicating in other towns and cities across the country. It will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and the region.”