Newcastle homes proposal attracts political criticism

Newcastle homes proposal attracts political criticism

11 January 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

THE Oaklee Housing Association has rejected political criticism of amended plans it has produced for a new social housing scheme in Newcastle.

The organisation is planning to redevelop the former South Eastern Regional College building at Donard Street but is faced with opposition from local residents and politicians.

A public meeting was held in the town last October to discuss the scheme which resulted in amended plans being produced. But the Housing Association’s changes have been described by Newcastle councillor Carmel O’Boyle as “cosmetic and superficial.”

She explained a senior Oaklee official informed her by letter that the revised scheme indicates that vehicular and pedestrian access will now be solely via

entrances on Donard

Street, with this agreed in principle with the Roads Service.

“The letter said there will be no access to either part of the scheme via Park Lane, which was a cause for concern for many who attended the recent public meeting.

“Oaklee has informed me the apartment block to the north of Park Lane has been reorientated to face Donard Street and the existing car park and that no habitable windows on the elevation will overlooking residences on Park Lane. The number of apartments has been reduced from 18 to 15.”

Councillor O’Boyle said she has made it clear to Oaklee that it has “neither political nor local support for its plan.” She said the problem was, and remains, the unsuitability of the site itself for any kind of housing development.

She continued: “In other words, Oaklee has ignored Newcastle people who know better than it what the problems will be at this site.

“I am astonished to hear the claim that Road Service has agreed in principle with the access issues and would question this in the light of the severe traffic problems we already encounter on Donard Street.”

Councillor O’Boyle said she plans to call a second public meeting for local politicians and residents as soon as Oaklee has submitted its amended plans, highlighting the need to make a “co-ordinated and cogent

response” to the proposal. She said this will be best made by people working together.

She added: “I know we need more good social housing for people who are now living in sub-standard accommodation, but putting people onto a site like this one will only do them and their neighbours a disservice. This will be strongly argued by me and others in the coming months as this unwelcome application progresses through planning.”

A spokeswoman for the Oaklee Homes Group said changes made to the proposals referred to by Councillor O’Boyle were intended to address the majority of specific issues which were raised and discussed in considerable detail at the public meeting.

She added: “The Association would therefore contend that the changes, which comprise in effect a complete redesign of the project, are neither cosmetic nor superficial, and are a constructive and substantive response to the concerns raised by the residents and councillors.”