Planners from Newcastle City Council have approved plans to develop 24 new affordable homes for rent in Byker.
The homes will be developed near Bolam Street, on land next to Harbottle Park on the site of the old Bolam Street School, and will include a mix of 12 1 & 2 bed level access bungalows, 8 2-bed houses and 4 2-bed apartments.
The Karbon Homes development was unanimously agreed by the planning committee and will provide much needed affordable housing in the area. Byker Community Trust, part of Karbon Homes, already owns and manages 1,800 homes on the iconic Grade II* Listed Byker estate and work is expected to start on site this summer.
The homes will have sizable gardens to the front and private gardens to the rear. The majority of the homes will have off-street parking with some plots benefitting from a private parking court. The homes will be constructed in brickwork with concrete tiled roofs in situ with nearby properties.
Michelle Bell, Assistant Director Byker Community for Karbon Homes, said: “We are delighted with the committee’s decision to approve these plans, which will provide much-needed homes, to meet the needs of current and future customers. This will be our first new build development on the estate, which will provide quality, affordable homes for rent.
“We have been working closely with planners over the last year on the development of the scheme and we’re looking forward to appointing a contractor and getting started on site.”
Commenting at the committee, Councillor Irim Ali, the local authority’s cabinet member responsible for housing, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis, there has never been greater demand for affordable housing which is why I warmly welcome this investment by Karbon Homes. Having 24 affordable homes in a residential area in Byker is a good use of a former school site that is well connected by public transport and sustainable with local services and shops.
“The sizable gardens will doubtless improve the appearance of the neighbourhood, not to mention the training and employment opportunities this will bring. I look forward to work starting as soon as possible and the first tenants moving in.”
The architect for the development is IDPartnership.