Revised plans for developments after backlash

A council has renewed plans for the redevelopment of riverside land after previous objections.

Newcastle City Council's cabinet has been asked to approve the sale of Spillers Quay, in Ouseburn, in the hope of accelerating its redevelopment, along with nearby Malmo Quay, with plans for new homes.

A proposed 223ft tower at Malmo saw a huge backlash from residents and businesses in 2022, meanwhile previous plans for flats at Spillers had to be revised to four storeys rather than eight after complaints.

The council said it had worked with local councillors and the Ouseburn Trust on the new proposals and any building work would preserve the view of the Quayside skyline from the east of the city.

Liberal democrat leader of the council Colin Ferguson said officers had been working with Homes England and development partner Igloo on the revised approach.

"Previous proposals for these sites attracted significant concerns and it is right that those views have been listened to and helped shape a different approach," he said.

"What is now being proposed is much more considered."

Ferguson said the new proposal "significantly reduces the scale of development" for Malmo Quay, while still creating new homes and commercial units.

"We want regeneration to be something that happens with communities, not to them, and we will continue working with local ward councillors and organisations as these plans move forwards," he said.

The council said if cabinet approves the recommendation, the council would sell the land to Igloo, but any planning application would be subject to a full consultation.

Chief executive of the Ouseburn Trust Chris Barnard said he welcomed the "new approach to balancing the need for homes with consideration of what the wider community values about Ouseburn".

He said the new approach had the opportunity to address concerns, "delivering the need for sustainable development with outcomes desired by the community, from meeting spaces to safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, all while ensuring that the businesses and people that characterise the place are protected".

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