Tyneside Committee
The Tyneside Committee review planning applications in Newcastle and North Tyneside. The Committee is active on the Newcastle Conservation Advisory Panel and is currently working towards establishing a similar body for North Tyneside. The Tyneside Committee can be contacted through the Society Office. Extracts from current and recent caseload include:
Co-Operative Building
Planning permission has been granted to turn he Co-op building in Newgate Street into a 230-bed hotel. The Society is broadly in favour of the proposals but has some reservations about the loss of the former ballroom which is to be converted to bedrooms. Also the proposal to demote the fabulous staircase lobbies to fire-escapes is to be regretted as they are a feature of the building which many local people remember fondly. See full report in November's City and County (November 2011).
The Blucher - Killingworth
The Killingworth History Group would like to carry out restoration on the sculpture of the locomotive and site it in a prominent location to symbolise its historic association with the locality. £10,000 needed to restore. Agreed to support with any initiative (apart from finance). Vice-Chair to contact North Tyneside Conservation Officer to discuss potential assistance. (November 2011)
Gosforth Park
The Committee objects to the development at Gosforth Park which would seriously harm and erode the ecological significance of the locality and do immeasurable harm to the Gosforth Park Nature reserve. The proposals were considered to be inconsistent with the underlying rationale of the green belt and the sustainable use of natural resources including the protection of our important wildlife and their essential habitats. An objection has been submitted to the City Council. Read a copy of the letter (PDF file) for further details. (November 2011)
Cut the Clutter
Various concerns raised with City Council include: display board chained to tree on verge next to civic building in regent Farm Road; large poster advertisement on wall of flat above hairdressers in Henry Street. Situation to be monitored. The untidy site corner of Ivy Road High Street in the Gosforth conservation area has been cleared. The owner has been fined. The Quayside Banners have been given planning consent limited to 3 months so no further action. Update:Communication from City Council over unauthorised large banner sign in Henry St, Gosforth. Proceedings to remove the sign held in abeyance pending intervention by the MP and ward councillors. Situation to be reviewed at the end of December. (November 2011)
NewcastleGateshead One Core Strategy
The Core Strategy has been examined and discussed. It was unanimously agreed that the Committee would object to the Strategy due to a number of reasons. See extract from Tyneside Committee Minutes details of objections. Download a copy (pdf size 4mb) of the Draft Consultation Document. (October 2011)
Odeon Cinema
The Committee has written to Newcastle City Council urging a change of heart over the future of the cinema. The Society has heard recently that there were more than a few people within the Civic Centre who would still like to see the former Odeon building retained in some form. In his letter, the Chair of the Tyneside Committee asks whether the City Council could be persuaded to look again at your development brief for East Pilgrim Street and to seek to incorporate the building for cultural use rather than a proposal dominated by retail. The letter goes on to suggest that with one in three shops being empty in some parts of the country and with vacancy levels in the North ranging from 13%- 16%, it is time to consider alternatives for this part of the town. (September 2011)
Exhibition Park, Newcastle
Grant of £2.4 million received. The Exhibition and Brandling Parks Community Trust representatives have made a presentation to the Management Committee meeting to explain their plans for the regeneration of the park. The Trust is seeking to work with the Society on the conservation and sustainable plan for the future use of the pavilion. (September 2011)
Park Terrace Development, Newcastle
Concern at proposals for demolition to allow for erection of student accommodation. Along with the Victorian Society, comments made relating to the high quality materials and the appealing and harmonious design of the existing buildings which originally framed Exhibition Park before the motorway wa built. Objection lodged. Plans have now been passed by the City Council (August 2011)
Lower Ouseburn
The Committee has written to the City Council complimenting the work being carried out on the Lower Ouseburn Valley and Maynard’s Toffee factory area, with a request that the improvements be continued with the creation of a new Pocket Park on the former Ice Factory site in Lower Ouseburn Valley. The proposal has been handed over to Executive Director of Environment and Regeneration for comment. (August 2011)
Newcastle Conservation Advisory Panel
The City Council are reviewing as part of its efficiency drive. Letter has been sent to the Leader of the Council strongly urging the retention of the Panel. Response awaited. (August 2011)
Medicentre, Grainger St, Newcastle
Changes to shop front at Pawnbrokers including an external security shutter. Concerns expressed as to whether this contravenes design guidance for central conservation area. NCAP and City Council to be contacted. (August 2011)
Jesmond Towers (Former La Sagesse School)
Members of the Committee to attend an exhibition to explain plans for the regeneration of the Jesmond Towers Estate. See article from August 2011 issue of City and County for more details. (August 2011)
Earsdon
The Committee commented on the Earsdon Village Conservation Area Character Appraisal draft document and have written in the past in support of the proposal to replace the railing at St Albans Church back to Victorian Dobson original. Current concern over the erection of a boiler house and fuel store at St Albans Church Hall. Action: Clarify external materials, suggest removal of the building works after temporary period, and reinforcement planting. (August 2011)
Tynemouth Station
Following the outcome of the Public Inquiry, the Committee was disappointed to learn that the appeal against a refusal to permit the addition of a Tesco supermarket to the grade 2* listed building has been allowed despite considerable local objection. The Committee's original objections had not been mentioned in the appeal decision and the committee had not received prior notice of the Inquiry. The matters have been taken up with both the Council and the Planning Inspectorate. Responses are awaited. (May 2011)
