The current plan for the Barnados site, courtesy Intersect Architects Ltd

The Jesmond Residents Association (JRA) has objected in writing to the planning application for the site that housed the former Barnardo’s HQ, as have a number of local residents. A planning appeal will be heard next week. The plans were submitted by Adamson Developments (Cramlington) Ltd and Barnardo’s to demolish an existing three-storey office building, Orchard House, and ancillary accommodation and build nine semi-detached and detached houses with integral garages with associated roads, car parking and landscaping on Fenwick Terrace.

Tony Waterston of the JRA says that the opposing of the plans was for two reasons: flooding and appearance. Waterston tells JesmondLocal that “the flood risk assessment was not site specific” because the report was relevant to the Ouseburn river and not to any required drainage for the site.

Appearance was also a factor for the JRA when deciding to oppose the application. The building would not be in keeping with the neighborhood, they say, as the materials used to fabricate the building wouldn’t match the surrounding Victorian terraces. The plans included high wooden fencing to replace the mature hedges marking site boundaries. Waterston says “the development is contrary to the amenities of the dwellings.”

Additionally, the JRA was concerned that the integral garages would be converted into more housing which would further increase on-street parking. Waterston defends challenging the plans by stating “we are not against houses, but we are concerned about the impact on a delightful part of Jesmond.”

The Planning Inspectorate, a national body that arbitrates planning disputes, will hear the case at the Mansion House in Jesmond on Tuesday, November 26th at 10am.