Banks unveils Sunniside housing vision

A North East property developer is inviting residents to help shape plans for a new housing development that could deliver more than 200 homes in Gateshead.

Banks Property is preparing to unveil proposals for a residential scheme south of Sunniside, with plans for up to 210 family homes on a 12.7-hectare site between the A6076 and Pennyfine Lane.

The proposed development would include 30 per cent affordable housing, alongside public open space, green corridors and a biodiversity net gain of at least ten per cent.

A mix of house types is planned to meet a range of local needs, with every home featuring air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points as standard.

The scheme would also provide financial contributions towards local healthcare and education services.

Banks Property is proposing new access points from the A6076 and Pennyfine Lane, while restricting through traffic between the two to pedestrians and cyclists. 

A new controlled crossing over the A6076 would also improve access to the nearby Tanfield Railway.

An elevated area at the centre of the site would be retained as a public viewpoint, offering panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and the Tyne Valley.

Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, said: “This will be a high-quality development in which we’re looking to create a range of sustainable, contemporary homes in a great location that is well connected to local facilities and that would make a significant contribution towards delivering more much-needed housing in the area.

“The high proportion of affordable homes it includes will give more people an even greater opportunity to stay in or move to the area, while there will also be a clear focus on making the most of the environment features that the site offers.

“Feedback from local people is always essential in helping us finalise all our development designs and we’re holding these community events to give residents the chance to speak directly to our project team about all the different aspects of our proposals.”

Two public consultation events will be held at Marley Hill Community Centre on Church Street, giving residents the opportunity to view the proposals, speak to the project team and provide feedback before a planning application is submitted.

The first consultation will take place on July 13 from 2.30pm to 6pm, followed by a second session on July 21 from noon to 3pm.

Banks Property expects to submit a planning application to Gateshead Council later this year, with construction potentially beginning in 2028 if the scheme receives approval.

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