Controversial plans to build a three-storey apartment block in Cullercoats have been given the go-ahead despite outcry from neighbours.
Galliford Try Partnerships was given permission by North Tyneside Council to build the block, which will contain 64 'extra care' apartments for the elderly, on Stanton Road.
Residents are not happy and raised fears about privacy and increased traffic, which they say could put children at risk.
Speaking at Tuesday's planning meeting, objector Christine Gallon, who lives on Alexandra Gardens, voiced concerns on behalf of residents.
"The design of this building is out of character," she said.
"Children use the street to get to St Mary's, Monkhouse and Marden Schools, when a child is struck down, you will be accountable for it.
"Workmen's toilets will be against people's fences, this side of the road has bedrooms (visible). People will have to avoid peeping toms."
This was backed up by ward councillor Willie Samuel, who gave up his voting rights to speak out against the application.
He said: "It seems that general planning considerations are being completely overruled.
"This land is not zoned for housing in the local plan, but officers are still recommending riding roughshod over residents' concerns and still going ahead."
A planning agent representing Galliford Try said it would give older people in the borough the option of not having to spend their last years in a nursing home.
He said: "This is a real 21st century alternative to residential care, where couples can stay together and enable people to live a life of choice."
The committee voted to approve the application, saying there was no reason to refuse it.
Councillor John O'Shea said: "I will be supporting this application because I don't believe that we have any solid reasons to refuse it.
"If we do refuse it and it went to appeal it would lose a lot of council taxpayers' money. I don't think we can refuse it."
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