Anger at Council building plans
Jan 11 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal
FAMILIES angered by plans for more homes in their neighbourhood are threatening legal action to have the project scrapped.
People in Low Fell, Gateshead, opposed the building of modern properties in a conservation area, but permission was granted.
Gillian Beauchamp, whose home will overlook the four apartments and four townhouses on the site of Westwood House, in Belle Vue Bank, has launched a campaign to challenge Gateshead Council’s decision.
The landscape architect has written to planners saying she does not think the private development is in keeping with the nature of Saltwell Conservation Area.
Other opponents say planners failed to take account of a range of factors which should have been considered before approval.
A previous proposal, for nine apartments and two townhouses on the site, was rejected two years ago.
Mrs Beauchamp, 50, accused the council of double standards.
She said: “The council has policies on developing flat-roofed buildings in a conservation area.
“I have no objection to the house being demolished, but we are very aggrieved that the council hasn’t consulted with the local people on the development.
“The developer is going to use a whole range of materials, none of which we feel are particularly appropriate and it doesn’t comply with the plans for suitable development.
“The conservation area is going to be completely changed as a result of this development.”
Gateshead Council received 14 objections to the application, which was approved last October.
Mrs Beauchamp, who has lived in her home for more than 20 years, said: “We are seeing whether is there a case for a judicial review.”
Newcastle solicitors Ward Hadaway, representing Mrs Beauchamp, said if an error had occurred, permission for the development could be scrapped.
Council regulatory head Anneliese Hutchinson said it had received no legal challenge so far.
“However, we are responding to a letter received from a local solicitor acting on behalf of an objector and are currently investigating the issues raised.”
