A STRATEGY which seeks to map out the future for Newcastle and Gateshead was condemned yesterday as a “developers’ charter”.

The Green Parties of Newcastle and Gateshead have submitted their formal objection to the One Core Strategy, calling on Newcastle and Gateshead councils to go back to the drawing board.

The Greens say that, if given the choice, developers will prioritise executive-style housing on greenfield sites, contrary to what councillors and planners say about brownfield site redevelopment and the result will be more unsustainable urban sprawl.

Meanwhile areas like Scotswood and Walker, neighbourhoods that urgently need regeneration projects, will be marginalised again.

The Green parties claim that:

:: The strategy is nothing but the same old “growthmania”, even more inappropriate at a time of on-going economic recession and the growing threat from ecological constraints such as adverse climate change and “peak oil”.

:: The “retail-led” development envisaged in the strategy will just lead to more empty shops.

:: The speculative housing developments at its heart are not an economically sound plan, as shown by the recent experience of countries like Eire. Nor will it help those most in need.

:: Fit housing will be demolished instead of being refurbished. Meanwhile the threat of large-scale development on their doorstep will blight many other areas.

:: Traffic congestion will be made much worse in several parts of Newcastle and Gateshead.

Farmland will be lost, though it may be sorely needed in the future given world food trends.

:: Serious sewage pollution of the Ouseburn could result from nearby new development.

:: A critical wildlife habitat, Gosforth Nature Reserve, will be irreparably damaged and other vital open spaces in areas like Dunston Hill lost.

Andrew Gray, the Green Party candidate in South Heaton ward in Newcastle, said: “The councils wrongly claim that there is no alternative when, in fact, there are plenty of examples of better initiatives in other cities and towns.”