Controversial plans to build dozens of homes on land next to Tynemouth Metro station have been submitted.
North Tyneside Council will decide on the proposals to build a mixed-use development on land to the north and south of the station. Planning officers have recommended that councillors grant the application.
Stations Developments Ltd want permission to build 71 one-, two- and three- bedroom flats and townhouses with commercial space on the bottom floor. The application states the buildings would stand at two to six stories.
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The site, according to a council report, “is located on the east side of Tynemouth Metro Station and lies within a sunken cutting with embankments on both sides. It comprises two parcels of land, located to the north and south of the station buildings”. A separate application from the same firm is asking permission for a similar project with the right to demolish a stone boundary wall on Tynemouth Road and Station Terrace to “facilitate” the construction project
Land to the north of Tynemouth Metro station would be dedicated to 43 car parking spaces.
The applications have generated 261 objections from residents raising myriad concerns ranging from the character of the development to potential traffic problems. Tynemouth councillors Lewis Bartoli and Sarah Day added to the written objections.
Coun Bartoli said he anted to object in "the strongest possible terms" and added: "As the Ward Councillor and a resident in Tynemouth I have had the opportunity of talking with many residents who are extremely concerned that this proposal is totally inappropriate for this location."
He said residents were "extremely concerned that this proposed development is; too big, not in keeping with a traditional village setting, overshadows an important heritage asset and people’s houses and will increase the pressures on parking.
“This new proposal, which increases the number of units whilst reducing the parking and appears to have completely ignored these concerns. The objectors are not opposed to change but this building would stand-out rather than blend-in and dominate the views and skyline of Tynemouth.
“It does not recognise the village-nature of its setting and would upset the balance between landmark buildings and townscape buildings.”
Coun Sarah Day said: “As other objectors have pointed out, the restoration was fought for over many years by Ylana First MBE and whose vision made possible the restoration of the station to its Victorian heyday. The station is a community asset and contributes greatly to the popularity of Tynemouth as a whole.
“These plans will vastly overshadow the station and are out of keeping with the conservation status of the village. It will also impact residential amenity for the surrounding residents. I am very concerned that parking spaces have been removed.
“This will contribute to the already difficult parking situation in Tynemouth, especially at weekends, when there are many visitors to the market on Tynemouth station and indeed to the coast itself. I am very disappointed that there was no proper public consultation initially and none to my knowledge of this further application."
North Tyneside’s planning committee will meet to discuss the proposals on Tuesday August 30 2022.
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