It has stood unfinished for almost two decades due to a long running saga which halted its development.
But completion on this renowned property, which was first granted planning permission by Gateshead Council in 1998, could finally be reached within two years following confirmation of a modification order detailing a number of changes which must be made to the property.
Work on the large three-storey located on Swalwell Bank, in Whickham, has been paused since April 7, 2005, after the council ordered developments to stop after visiting the site following complaints from local residents.
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A report heard by the authority's planning committee in February 2020 said: "Council officers were of the opinion that the height and mass of the building, coupled with the overlooking from some of the windows of the house would lead to an unacceptable impact on the adjacent single-storey bungalows along Parkdale Rise and Heathwood Avenue."
At the time developments were halted, work on the property was well underway. The foundations had been laid in 2003 and three floors were nearing completion. Roof trusses had also been added to the structure.
In 2010 the council's planning committee voted to approve revised plans for the site on the condition of an agreement stopping the original planning permission from being completed. That agreement was never signed and since then ongoing talks with the applicant have failed to solve the problem.
As the authority initially granted planning permission, it was "not appropriate" for it to use its standard enforcement powers.
However, in 2020 the planning committee voted to use powers found in section 102 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to push through alterations to the existing plans. This rarely used legislation means the council can make the landowner follow a revised scheme.
On August 2, 2022, the Secretary of State agreed for the council to impose the 102 order. The landowner now has two years to make a number of outlined changes to the building, which will be monitored to ensure that the works are being undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the order.
The changes include removing the pitched roof and replacing it with a flat roofed design and altering the windows in the north and west elevations to provide obscure glazed windows, stained glass obscure glazed windows and to remove an existing window.
The report added: "Officers are pleased that, after full and careful consideration of all interested parties' views, the Secretary of State has agreed to confirm the order which will enable the landowner to finally complete the development."
Gateshead Council has been contacted for a comment.
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