Verdict in on more than 1,400 new homes for outskirts of Newcastle in latest Callerton vision
Councillors have backed plans for more than 1,400 new homes to be built on the outskirts of Newcastle.
City politicians voted on Friday to approve the next phase of housebuilding around Callerton.
Proposals from Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon will begin with an initial 382 homes and a spine road to what would be the ‘Upper Callerton’ portion of a construction masterplan approved 10 years ago.
They will be followed by up to 1,068 more, creating a total 1,450 homes on the estate.
The entire Callerton masterplan was for 3,000 homes overall, with 1,200 earmarked for Upper Callerton.
But members of Newcastle City Council’s planning committee were told that figure was “not a cap” and “does not prevent additional housing coming forward”.
The later phases of the outer west development would also include a two-form primary school and a nursery, as well as shops and community facilities in a village centre.
The development site, between the A696 and Hareydene, sits partly within the green belt and is close to the Woolsington Ponds nature area. A large section of the land was formerly an open cast coal mine in the 1990s.
At Friday’s committee hearing, councillors raised concerns about sufficient infrastructure for new housing developments being delivered in a timely fashion – following long-standing complaints at new-build locations like the Newcastle Great Park.
Liberal Democrat Henry Gallagher said: “I think we have been very poor at infrastructure – schools, health centres, etc. It is welcome that there are commitments here, but they are all jam tomorrow… I would be more comfortable if there were firm commitments.”
Labour’s Barry Phillipson said that if the upkeep of the estate was handed over to the control of a management firm, they need to be “accessible and accountable” to future residents.
He added: “Newcastle is the fastest growing city in the region. We do have a shortage of housing, so major development proposals like this are welcome in helping to address those problems and the needs of the city.”
The committee voted seven to one in favour of approving the plans, subject to a legal agreement being signed to secure conditions including a £9.6 million contribution to primary education in the area and £4.8 million for highway improvements.
David Stephenson, head of planning for Persimmon North East said: ‘We’re pleased that committee members have voted to reaffirm the Council’s recommendation for approval. These are exciting plans that will not only deliver a significant number of high-quality new homes for local people, but also a range of new facilities for residents and the local community to enjoy.
“As well as new housing, significant funding will also be made to Newcastle City Council for investment in local infrastructure including local education provision. We look forward to working with the council and the local community to bring these plans to fruition.”