Revised plan still has critics

Jun 30 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

ANEWCASTLE MP is objecting to revised plans for a care home which he believes will “stick out like a sore thumb” in the area.

Gainford Care Homes wants to build a 54-bed home on the site of the old the Centurion pub on Newburn Road, Throckley.

The company withdrew an application for a much larger scale development earlier this year but a council officer’s report set to go in front of the planning committee on July 3 recommends the plans for approval.

The previous proposals, which were challenged by local residents because of the “overbearing scale” of the building have now been replaced with plans for a smaller building set into a slope to make it less imposing.

But several letters of objection have been received by the council from local residents, some arguing there is no need for another care home in the area and others pointing to the loss of the pub as the loss of a community facility.

As well as eight letters of objection from local residents, the council was contacted by Newcastle North MP Doug Henderson.

His letter reads: “Following representations from constituents at my surgery I am writing in support of their objections to this revised application.

“Having viewed in detail the revised application, I remain of the view this proposed development is an over intensification of use of the site.

“Regardless of which view/elevation you look at this proposal from, it appears as a monolithic structure and is totally out of keeping with the surrounding estate.

“The estate is known locally as “The White City” because of the rendered finish which has been applied to all the residential properties on the estate...I would suggest it would stand out like a sore thumb and do little to enhance the appearance of the estate and will not be in keeping with the surrounding residential properties on the estate.”

Mr Henderson also raises concerns about the position of the main access point to the development, fearing that existing traffic congestion problems on the nearby Broomy Hill Road may worsen. Despite the concerns of Mr Henderson and local people, the proposals have been given a provisional green light.

The council officer’s report reads: “The proposed development although one continuous block which is unavoidable by virtue of the nature of the development would be set into the sloping site and staggered in height down the bank so it would sit comfortably in its setting and not appear significantly overbearing.

“The traditional design and appearance of the development and stepped roofline would also compliment the general character and street patterns in the surrounding area.

“I am satisfied that the development would not have any significant detrimental impact on the surrounding properties that could justify refusal of this application.”

Gainford Care Homes did not wish to comment on the application.

I’m of the view this proposed development is an over intensification of use of the site