Plans to redevelop a now demolished council estate in Gateshead have stalled because they have become unaffordable - but officials maintain they have not given up on the site.
The former Clasper Village at Tyne Road East, was demolished between 2015 and 2017. It was originally a Victorian terrace, however, this was demolished in the 1970s to make way for what became a site that was subject to anti-social behaviour for many years.
The demolition proved controversial with one resident refusing the leave. Michael Crossman lived in his Clasper Village property for almost 50 years and turned down several financial offers by the Council to be moved away. Mr Crossman only moved away in 2017 as a result of poor health, he later passed away in 2019.
Read More: Households struggling with mortgages 'might reach 2008 peak next year', Bank of England warns
Gateshead Council approved plans in 2019 to construct 191 homes. The site would have included 75 three-bedroom homes, 30 four-bedroom homes, and 29 homes for affordable rent.
10% of the proposed dwellings were deemed suitable for elderly residents and eight two-bedroom bungalows were also included on the site. The development was going to contribute to the Council's delivery of 30,000 by 2030.
A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: “The originally approved scheme for 191 homes will not be progressed now due to increasing costs to the council for this approach.
“However, we are still strongly committed to delivering housing at the former Clasper Village site and we are currently working on how high-quality new homes can be delivered there.”
Dunston and Teams Labour councillor and cabinet member for children and young people Gary Haley said: "There was funding which included development funding from Homes England. Unfortunately, it became less affordable.
"We have not given up on the site. The current plan is to engage with other housing providers to bring this forward.
"We want to see housing developments on this site".
Read More:
- Whitley Bay bottle shop applies for premises licence to create 'a small tasting area'
- 'North-South divide' sees four times more opioid painkillers prescribed in the North East than in London
- NHS trust 'inadequate': Families tell CQC how restraints 'injured our loved ones' at Lanchester Road Hospital
- 'Appalling:' Northumberland schools slammed for excluding pupils who breach uniform rules
- 'Younger keyboard warriors' not prepared for emergencies like Storm Arwen claims councillor
