Lawe Top Homes Plan Approved
30 Jul 2015

Proposals for an affordable, ‘care ready’ housing development for the over 55s on the Lawe Top at South Shields have been approved.

South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee granted the application for 50 apartments on half a hectare of land adjacent to River Drive.

The development has been amended, following public consultation, to take account of concerns over sunlight, shadowing, overlooking and car parking.

It will mean the demolition of a block of empty garages and the use of open ground to create one and two-bedroom properties, plus car parking and landscaping. The majority of the existing mature trees on the site will be retained.

Galliford Try Partnerships North will construct the building - in brick and render – in an L shape with two, three and four storeys, stepped to be compatible with neighbouring housing.

As it is in the vicinity of South Shield’s Roman heritage, an archaeological survey will be carried out at the former clay pit and brick works site prior to construction beginning.

All the apartments will be available for affordable rent through the new independent housing company, South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust. Brian Scott, Company Secretary, said: “The Borough’s population is ageing and developments such as this help provide the kind of quality, affordable accommodation those older people want and need. These properties will promote independence, allowing tenants to remain in their own home if their care needs change.

"It is a huge challenge to build the affordable homes we need and the establishment of the Ventures Trust has been a great leap forward in meeting that demand.”

Stephen McCoy, Managing Director with Galliford Try Partnerships North, added: “We are delighted to be working with the trust to bring forward a scheme which will be part funded from the £11.5 million we secured through the Homes and Communities Agency’s Affordable Homes Programme.

“Developments of this type are forming an ever increasing proportion of our work across the region and we believe it will improve the quality and choice of housing available for people in South Tyneside.”

-ENDS-

For further information, contact Paul Dobbie at Persuasion Public Relations on 0845 071 0678 / 07967 197 224 or email paul.dobbie@persuasion-pr.com

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