Former bae systems site in birtley approved for almost 300 new homes

Former bae systems site in birtley approved for almost 300 new homes


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A former BAE systems site in Gateshead is now officially set to become a site for nearly 300 properties. Councillors approved plans on Wednesday to construct 276 new homes on a long-disused


parcel of land in Birtley, formally belonging to defence giant BAE systems. The land, on Ravensworth Road, saw the demolition of its former industrial structures between 2012 and 2014.


Council documents state the plans, drawn by applicant Gleeson Regeneration Ltd, are to construct a mixture of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes throughout the site. The local authority’s


own report also states: “The delivery of 276 new homes will meet an objectively identified housing need within the local area for the benefit of the local community.” The report also


supported “the regeneration of a derelict state, which is currently overgrown, serves no purpose, and is subject to antisocial behaviour and vandalism”. However, newly approved proposals do


not provide for “affordable” housing, due to an independent viability report highlighting increasing costs associated with the project. A previous application in 2015 saw the local authority


refuse the removal of a condition in relation to providing affordable housing. However, council documents state: “Officers concur with the findings of this report and the conclusions of an


independent assessor, and accept that for viability reasons, affordable housing provision cannot be included within the scheme.” Committee member, Coun Dawn Welsh said: “It is disappointing


that it is not economically viable [affordable housing] but it is a site that needs development and there is a need for housing.” JOIN OUR BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES WHATSAPP COMMUNITY


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