FRESH plans have been submitted to convert a former youth hostel into apartments for young professionals.
Newcastle councillors turned down an application last November to revamp the Youth Hostel Association building on Jesmond Road, Newcastle.
The scheme was rejected despite the recommendation of planning officers who gave their approval to the development.
Newcastle firm Baskeys Accommodation, which specialises in student lettings, has resubmitted its application after making amendments to the original proposal.
The hostel, which is in the South Jesmond conservation area, would be turned into nine separate apartments, with three five-bedroom flats, two three-bedroom flats and four one-bedroom studios in the attic level.
Yesterday, Richard Irving from consultants id planning, said the application had been altered to reflect the concerns of councillors.
“We’ve taken on board the councillors’ views and have amended the scheme accordingly,” he said.
Mr Irving said a noise report had been prepared which showed there would be no cause for concern and insisted the apartments would be marketed to young professionals rather than students.
Members of Newcastle City Council’s planning committee voted against the original submission after local residents and South Jesmond councillor David Hardman raised objections.
At November’s meeting of the planning committee, members said parking and noise issues would cause problems in the area, especially if students took over the tenancies.
Officers had recommended the original scheme be approved subject to conditions covering cycle storage, parking provision and sound proofing.
The 54-bed hostel, which catered for more than 8,000 overnight stays each year, closed at the beginning of November. YHA bosses admitted it had been a difficult decision to close the hostel but said efforts were being made to find a new site in the city centre on the Quayside.
They said a new location would better serve visitors. Other hostels and accommodation for backpacking tourists has emerged in Newcastle city centre in recent years.
It is expected the new application will come before Newcastle City Council’s planning committee within the next two months.
