Member Article

Revealed: Plans submitted to develop 24 acre Gosforth brownfield site

A vision document, outlining a proposed housing scheme on a 24 acre brownfield site in the heart of Gosforth, will shortly be submitted to Newcastle City Council by local property developers, Adderstone Group.

The document sets out a wide range of economic, social, environmental, employment and supply chain benefits that Adderstone Group feel would result from their proposals for a phased development, which could eventually see land at Gosforth Industrial Estate redeveloped into an attractive development incorporating 236 houses.

The site is best known as the location of the original Greggs’ bakeries. This part of the site was acquired by Adderstone Group in 2012 in a deal that saw the North East baking giant relocate to their modern, purpose built unit in Longbenton.

Since then, Adderstone Group has been working closely with city planners and has consulted with passenger transport executive, Nexus, who own a substantial part of the estate, in an effort to bring forward their ‘Christon Park’ scheme.

City planners have confirmed in pre-application consultation that, “the principle of residential development is acceptable,” and asked Adderstone Group to commission a host of professional reports regarding development of the scheme, which are well underway, tackling issues ranging from traffic and noise to bats.

Harvey Emms, Senior Director at planning consultants Nathaniel Litchfield and Partners commented: “This is a difficult but important brownfield site in the middle of Gosforth.

“It is good news that Adderstone Group have brought together a comprehensive scheme to bring forward much needed homes in this area of the city.

“Their early delivery will help to accelerate housing delivery in the city to meet an identified shortfall of new homes.”

Ian Baggett, Adderstone Group Chairman, explained: “This is a very challenging project, with a number of potential conflicts of use to manage. Protecting the interests of existing businesses on the site and nearby residents is key.

“As a business with our roots embedded in the North East, we fully understand the importance of working closely with local people to deliver a solution that will enhance the area. We need the full support of local community groups and Newcastle City Council if we are to make this scheme happen. The prize is quite simply the green belt.”

Kaleel Zibe, a Gosforth resident and founding member of the Save Gosforth Wildlife Campaign said: “This development on the old Greggs site makes really good sense for the North East.

“The UK has an urgent need for new housing and green belt land is under constant threat from increasing development. I’m very much in favour of this use of a brownfield site because it creates housing and jobs as well as protecting open spaces essential for wildlife and humans alike.”

Adderstone Group will be hosting a public drop-in session between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday 27th August at Gosforth Parish Church Hall on Wardle Street in Gosforth, giving the community an opportunity to find out more about the proposals and to obtain feedback from local residents, businesses and community interest groups.