Major residential-led scheme secures approval

The proposed demolition of a timber yard to make way for a seven-storey residential-led building in Newcastle has been approved.Wallsend-based housebuilder McIver Homes submitted the application to Newcastle City Council, outlining details for the construction of a mixed-use building, consisting of 51 apartments for rent and two SME office units. The Quay Timber site, which lies within the Lower Ouseburn Valley, is approximately 28,000 sq ft in size.Most of the apartments would provide two bedrooms, with 15 per cent of them allocated for affordable rent. The 2,500 sq ft office space would be on the ground floor, with 31 parking spaces also included in the plans.The development is expected to create jobs during the construction phase, as well as permanent employment in line with the proposed commercial uses.The Lower Ouseburn Valley was established as a conservation area in the year 2000, due to its historical and archaeological interests.A report that was scrutinised by planners on Friday 13 March recommended that the plans be approved, subject to conditions.