Cleveland Potash jobs at risk

Revised plans to build an eight-storey mixed-use scheme on the site of the former Tyne Tees Television studios, which would provide an economic boost to the city, look set to be approved.City Road Student Halls is behind the project, with the company having initially submitted its proposals in 2016 before withdrawing them to make amendments. An application to build a 207-bed development, comprising 123 studio and 21 cluster apartments, was ultimately approved in April 2017.However, CRSH has returned to Newcastle City Council with new plans designed to increase the size of the site.The proposals are now for the development of 227 student rooms, up 20 on the original application. This would comprise 214 studio rooms, eight accessible rooms and five duplex rooms. Also included would be a gym, cinema and games rooms, reception, office space and laundry area.The footprint and plan of the building remains a T-shape and would provide for two distinct outdoor spaces; one being quiet, the other more active.The key changes to the layout of the development include the ground floor being reconfigured and extended, the removal of a staircase to allow for more rooms on each floor and all student rooms being developed as studios.Such alterations have been made as studio rooms “were the preferred options for students to rent”, while a review of the building’s fire strategy meant just one central staircase was needed.A report to Newcastle City Council, which will make a decision on the proposals on 12 January, states that the development would offer economic benefits to the local economy “through day-to-day spending at local services and businesses” by those living at the site.It added that targeted recruitment would be secured by way of a training and employment plan tied to the application through a section 106 agreement.As such, planning officers have been minded to grant approval.