Don’t spoil pub view
REGULARS OPPOSE PLANS AMID CLOSURE FEARS
LUXURY Ouseburn flats could ultimately “sound the death knell” for one of Newcastle’s most beloved pubs.
That’s the fear of Free Trade Inn regulars, who are fighting developers to get plans for multi-million pound flats scrapped.
Overlooking the River Tyne, regulars believe the award-winning pub boasts not only one of the city’s most scenic beer gardens but is also “a calm, beautiful island in a sea of noise and development”.
Now, plans for 50 plush new flats in the pub’s shadow on St Lawrence Road have been met with backlash from punters who claim the flats would pose “an existential threat” to its future.
“With the building of these flats it would only be a matter of time before residents complained regarding general noise from the Free Trade Inn and it would be forced to close,” said one objection to Newcastle City Council.
“In my eyes this would be a disaster to lose what is a truly great business.”
The £7.5m development could create 155 construction jobs if approved.
Developer A&A Properties LLP claims the council should approve the development without delay, previously saying: “No significant harm would arise from the proposal.”
Since then, more than 40 objections have been lodged opposing a site opponents fear could spoil a pub they say is “a massive jewel in Ouseburn’s crown”.
They fear those moving into the one to four-bed flats will eventually complain about noise – including from the
pub’s beer garden.
Privacy and parking have also been flagged up as concerns in objection letters. Plans show 32 parking spaces for the 50 flats, with one objector writing: “This is clearly not enough.”
However, developers insist the flats, in one of Newcastle’s up and coming areas, are “much needed”.
Local planning specialist Hedley Planning Services spent months working on the planning application and the firm’s managing director Sean Hedley previously said: “Redevelopment of St Lawrence Road will unquestionably make a meaningful and significant contribution to the local and wider economy, both during the construction and long after families have moved in.
“As planners, we are always keen to see the green light for much needed, quality and sensible housing development.
“This project ticks all the boxes, and is sure to leave a long-lasting legacy, contributing significantly to an important part of Newcastle.”
Among those who don’t want to see the flats is another hugely popular Ouseburn venue.
The team behind the nearby Tyne Bar has also launched an objection, stating: “The Free Trade has been an iconic part of the pub scene in Newcastle since the mid-Eighties, and has rightly been recognised on many occasions with CAMRA awards and glowing national newspaper reviews.
“Along with other bars like The Tyne Bar and The Cluny, The Free Trade has been instrumental in Ouseburn being recognised as a vibrant, dynamic hub for music, culture and leisure.
“To threaten its future operation with residential accommodation at such close proximity would be a tragedy.”
Management at the Free Trade Inn did not reply to requests for comment.