Neighbours have hit out at plans for a new huge industrial unit which they claim will block the "last view in Wallsend of the River Tyne".
Smulders, a steel construction company, has applied for permission to construct the workshop in Hadrian Yard to provide space for welding and industrial fabrication. According to planning documents, the 50-metre high building forms part of a wider investment plan for Hadrian Yard following £160m of Government investment.
But one resident of nearby Railway Terrace not only claims the structure would leave his street in "semi-permanent gloom" in the winter months, but is an act of “cultural vandalism”.
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Smulders say the location of the facility has been chosen so "that the impact is very limited" to neighbours on Railway Terrace.
Stephen Collins, 41, said: "It’s a viewpoint in Wallsend for people to see the Tyne and that's pretty much the only public viewpoint.
“Smulders is planning to build a 50m high by 300m long building across that view. That would completely and utterly take away the last view in Wallsend of the River Tyne.
“It's also a cycle track, it's part of the coast to coast, and numerous cyclists and walkers stop and take photos of it. When you consider Wallsend is a town built on the river and there is so much history steeped there, and now people won’t have a view. I think it's crazy.”
Elaine McMahon, whose partner and grandchildren live on Railway Terrace, said: "I do think it is the most awful thing. I'm very supportive of local industry but to put something that high there, I just think its dreadful for the residents and for the people who come to pass by."
Ms McMahon opened an invitation to Wallsend councillors to visit and see for themselves how the street could be impacted by the development.
Lucy Moore, another Railway Terrace resident told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I work from home and I think it will have a detrimental impact on my work balance. I think it is devastating for myself and all the other residents and the wider community and tourists.
"We get lots of people walking along the street to take in the views. The work that goes on there I am fine with as it is, but there's no real benefit with the huge building.
"It's not going to make any positive impact. It will increase the noise and they [Smulders] have not taken us into account for shadows."
Tom Coosemans, director of Smulders Projects said: “Smulders has – after very careful consideration – indeed submitted a planning application for a new workshop. We are continuously striving to reduce our production impact towards our neighbours.
“The best solution going forward is to build this new facility that will cover our existing gantry cranes. The location of this new facility is chosen in such a manner that the impact is very limited to the surroundings and neighbours.
“All the necessary assessments have been made, including an environmental impact study.
“Additionally, by building this facility, we can further reduce our environmental footprint, guarantee a safer work environment and support the Green Revolution in the UK and beyond and this with the help of the local community. We endeavour to continuously work in a positive atmosphere with our neighbours and the local council and maintain a good relationship."
A local authority planning committee date has not been settled at the time of writing. North Tyneside Council were unable to comment on the plans.
However, Wallsend councillor Matthew Thirlaway told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I am aware of the planning application from Smulders Projects UK. The decision to approve or refuse the application will be made by North Tyneside’s planning committee.
“I would encourage any resident concerned about the application to have their say by contacting the council’s planning department or by using the planning portal.”
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