Amended plans lodged for Newcastle aparthotel

Modo Bloc has unveiled its amended plans for an aparthotel in Newcastle’s Ouseburn valley.The developer has resubmitted plans to build 15 apartments, rather than 28, within a single four-storey structure on Foundry Lane.The proposal to develop a vacant brownfield site builds upon previous planning consent for a mixed-use development by the same design team.Modo Bloc has reduced the size of the scheme after reviewing a number of concerns raised by planners, and to maintain and enhance the local biodiversity.To maintain the ecology, a third of the site will now remain untouched.Once complete, the £5m project will offer a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments, with one retail and commercial unit, six parking spaces and eight spaces for cycles.Miller Partnership Architects have taken into account the heritage and character of the Ouseburn Conservation Area when designing the structure.Co-director Steve Miller, said: “The built elements of this proposal are in keeping with the scale of the area. With a limited frontage along Foundry Lane and a desire to give each individual apartment a river / street frontage the overall building is subdivided into units, each with principle living accommodation open to the view.”George Jenkins, managing director of Modo Bloc, added: “We fully recognise the unique character of the Ouseburn. We have consulted with local stakeholders and our architects have paid particular attention to the local environment.”He added: “Our modified proposed development will be designed and built to the same high standard of building construction and interior design as other apart-hotels we have already delivered and are currently delivering elsewhere around Newcastle.”A new investment like this should also encourage greater tourism for the area, helping create and support employment, while also stimulating local businesses with marketing efforts.”