Councillors set to decide on new housing scheme in Bensham

A former apartment block in Gateshead could be turned into new homes, pending council approval

The Derwentwater Court apartment block, in Bensham, is set to be redeveloped with 10 new homes.

Gateshead Council's planning and development committee will meet next week to decide on an application from Bernicia Group to replace the block, totalling 30 flats, with modern housing. Gateshead Council permitted the demolition of the original block in June last year, as the apartments had reached their service life and were no longer financially viable for refurbishment.

A council report from the time concluded: "It is proposed to be demolished to make way for a future development providing more suitable, modern and sustainable housing that is fit for purpose."

Bernicia Group is now proposing to rebuild the site with a mix of three-bedroom and two-bedroom properties for affordable rent. Each property would also be afforded a parking spot, and four visitor bays would be installed onsite.

Council officers had raised concerns over earlier plans for the site, citing density and overdevelopment concerns. However, subsequent amended plans ensured that each home would feature private gardens and the flats would share communal garden spaces.

Following the changes, council officers reported: "Although the density of housing remains as originally proposed the layout has been improved to provide better connectivity as well as a creating a safer environment and an overall better sense of place."

Council officers have recommended that councillors approve the scheme. Councillors will meet in Gateshead Civic Centre on Wednesday, November 6 at 10 am to decide on the future of the site. Councillors will also decide on an application for a new car washing businesses in Satlwell in the same meeting.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.

To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN