New towers plan in Ouseburn area

Jun 30 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

MORE tower blocks could be built in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle after developers unveiled plans for another 504 flats.

Newcastle Council’s planning committee is to consider allowing eight residential blocks to be built on land near Portland Road.

The development includes proposals for a multi-storey car park for 305 spaces and an underground car park for 320 spaces.

And just a few hundred yards away, plans by a separate development company will see a five-storey student housing block created.

The proposed accommodation, to the east of Falconar Street, is likely to be recommended by council officers, although there are questions still hanging over the larger development.

The latest proposals come as businesses in Ouseburn continue to adjust to news of a planning decision which will see historic views of the River Tyne blocked by a 13-storey block of flats.

Last week a Government inspector overruled a decision by the council and gave the go-ahead to developers Taylor Wimpey to build 89 flats and a four to six-storey office block on the East Quayside near the mouth of the Ouseburn.

The ruling means river views from the Free Trade Inn on St Lawrence Road, nominated last year as one of Britain’s top views, will be blocked despite opposition to the flats.

Ward councillor Stephen Psallidas said the latest proposals could be good news, bringing “much needed” regeneration to the area. He said: “The site has been derelict for some time now, around 25 years, and we can all agree that development here will be welcome.

“There had being a suggestion to build another colossal student hall here but councillors from the ward, myself included, have thankfully managed to have that suggestion taken out of the plans.

“And we have been told that the developer is to make a contribution to local residents’ parking scheme, which should ensure people already living in nearby areas do not have to lose their parking spaces.

“I think overall this could be a very welcome development at this part of Ouseburn.”

But concerns have already being raised with council planning officers over the expected knock-on effect on congestion levels.

Planning documents suggest the Portland Road development could take several years to complete and discussions are ongoing to decide how much of the project should be offered as affordable housing.

Councillors will consider the proposals by both Brackenshaw Limited and Metnor Property Group at a meeting on July 11.

Feeling the pinch

BELEAGUERED housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is reportedly finalising an emergency multi-million pound fundraising plan as it suffers in the face of a property market slowdown.

The firm – which was last week granted permission for a controversial tower block in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle – is said to be hoping to unveil a deal this week that will see its biggest investors pledge up to £500m to boost its battered balance sheet.

Taylor Wimpey is also understood to be in talks with its banks to relax agreements on debt that it is thought to be close to breaching.

Major shareholders are reported to have been approached for the cash-call, but it is believed that small investors are also set to be offered an opportunity to buy shares.