Plans to create hundreds of new homes as part of a multi-million pound residential development in Gateshead have been given the green light today.
The news will see housebuilder Taylor Wimpey develop a mix of 267 two, three, four and five bedroomed homes on a site on the southern edge of Ryton village, alongside landscaped recreation space with views to the south.
The scheme is designed to offer greater choice to buyers, ensuring prospective first-time homeowners and families can benefit from a strong supply of quality and accessible housing supported by good local amenities.
The homes will be part of a £40m seven-year build scheme for the 13-hectare site, which the developer says also offers a strong economic boost for the local area.
More than 50 full time construction jobs will be created, as well as dozens of jobs in support and associated supply chain sectors.
The Ryton scheme is being hailed as part of an initiative that’s seen as a welcome boost to regional housing stock, contributing to the strong demand for quality homes.
David Abercrombie, Taylor Wimpey’s technical director, said: “We welcome the decision and look forward to moving to the next phase of our plans to deliver much needed high-quality homes in Gateshead.”
The news is also the culmination of several months of negotiations between the planning authority and North East-based Hedley Planning Services.
Working closely with the developers and planning officers, the firm has steered the ambitious plans through to the final approval stage.
Despite some concerns about encroachment into the Green Belt and strains on local services, Joe Ridgeon, Hedley Planning Services’ Associate, secured approval for a scheme that’s already seeing considerable interest from homeowners.
He said: “The decision’s a big step forward in securing regional housing stock. As planners, we want to see the creation of high quality and exciting housing schemes, which leave a long-lasting legacy. This development will undoubtedly contribute positively to an important part of Gateshead.”