North Tyneside new homes plan branded 'nightmare' as D Day looms

Plans to construct thousands of new homes in Killingworth have been met with fears of overpopulation, with traffic in the area already a “nightmare”.

North Tyneside Council’s planning committee is set to decide on two applications to build almost 1,000 homes on Killingworth on Thursday afternoon. These applications form part of the long-established ‘Killingworth Masterplan’ to fill the Moor with around 2,000 homes. 

However, opposition to the plans remains strong, particularly from the campaign group ‘Stop Killing Killingworth’, which has been crusading for years to push back against the development. 

A ‘Stop Killing Killingworth’ supporter, Alan Batey, who has also lived on the edge of the moor for the past 32 years, said: “They want to put a total of 2,000 homes on the moor which is the last little bit of natural open green spaces that we have got. You would have to go to the coast or the Town Moor in Newcastle if you want that. 

“We all think the community round here is overpopulated. People on the other side of the A19 tell me they can already smell the traffic fumes, especially at rush hour, the traffic is just horrendous.”

As an example of already clogged roads in North Tyneside, Mr Bates stated a recent journey from Cobalt to Whitley Bay, which ordinarily takes him 10 minutes, took over an hour. “The gridlock between four o’clock and seven o’clock is an absolute nightmare”, said Mr Batey. 

Mr Batey went on to say the group is also concerned that similar plans to develop the Murton Gap in conjunction with Killingworth, would ultimately create a huge housing block, offering little open or green space from Killingworth to Whitley Bay.

“I’ve lived here for 32 years, when I was younger I used to run around the Moor, now I walk and cycle around it around three times a week and so do other people around the area. It’s a lovely natural place, moorland and farmland”. 

Mr Batey also claimed that research conducted by Rochester University in 2020 found that access to open and green spaces can help with a range of serious mental health issues including depression and anxiety. 

In response to criticism of the plans, Colin Barnes, director of planning and development at Northumberland Estates said: “Located North of Killingworth Moor, Northumberland Estates’ application is on land that was approved for development twice, first as part of the local plan which as was adopted following a public inquiry, and second as part of the masterplan approved by council. Therefore, the principle of development is firmly established. 

“The scheme provides much-needed high-quality and in many cases affordable new housing, schools, services, and employment opportunities within North Tyneside and includes a primary and secondary school, a local centre including shops and a medical centre.  Additional benefits include a new interchange at the A19 junction which will improve the traffic situation and a range of measures to deliver important environmental gains. 

“Open spaces and landscaping are also included in the plans, allowing public access to an area that does not currently have any.”