Green homes look set to get go-ahead
Apr 9 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
The planned redevelopment of the 10-acre site, which Grainger bought last year, includes a mix of apartments, retirement homes and houses ranging from five-bedroom detached to three and four-bedroom mews and terraced properties. It also includes the restoration of the historic Victorian villa, North Dene House, which will be converted into six apartments.
The scheme was designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley and Maccreanor Lavington, who are both winners of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Sterling Prize.
They have been involved in flagship developments across the UK and have particular expertise in housing, education and sustainable development.
An application by Grainger for the 1950s site was turned down in June by councillors.
The authority’s planning committee turned down planning permission for the scheme following a site visit and, after considering objections from residents, who expressed concerns with the modern design, saying it was not in keeping with the character of the area.
A three-day inquiry was held in November.
Grainger issued a trading update yesterday, which said it remains in a comfortable financial position despite an expected drop in sales amid turbulent times in the housing sector.
Read previous stories on the Gateshead College site on the following two pages >>
