“Much needed” sustainable Newcastle housing development moves forward

Award winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has launched an online public consultation for its proposed development of 146 homes in Benwell after winning a tender to develop a new “high-quality” neighbourhood.

The proposed scheme, located two miles west of Newcastle city centre, would deliver a single-family rental neighbourhood with a variety of two, three and four bedroom house types.

Designed in partnership with JM Architects, and supported by local landscape architects Southern Green, national civil and structural engineering consultancy Curtins, and project managers Identity Consult. The development will bring back into use the 2.75ha brownfield site that has been vacant for 10 years.

The site is a legacy of the old Housing Market Renew initiative and is a strategic regeneration priority for the Council. The public consultation is available from January 23 to February 10 2023 and invites feedback from local residents.

Placefirst’s vision is to deliver a sustainable BTR neighbourhood with energy efficient homes, open spaces, quality management and maintenance. The proposed scheme would bring “much needed” private rental single-family homes to the area.

The regeneration specialist’s plans provide a modern and sustainable interpretation of terrace housing and would deliver high-spec, energy efficient homes for the modern renter. Placefirst’s approach to communal spaces will include public open space and unique landscape zones that will maximise the “fantastic” views over the Tyne valley.

Placefirst has adjacent landholdings which will be used to enhance biodiversity and provide further surface water attenuation as part of an innovative network of sustainable drainage systems (SuDs). In keeping with the developer’s focus on ESG, various other initiatives are also proposed, including an electric car club for residents.

The planning application will be submitted early 2023 following the consultation, and work is expected to begin in autumn if approved.

James Litherland, planning and development manager at Placefirst, commented: “We are delighted to launch the public consultation on our plans for Benwell Dene ahead of the planning submission.

“The development represents our continued growth in the North East through successful partnerships with local authorities to provide the highest quality homes for long term rent.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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