While Malhotra LTD weighs its options following a failed plan to demolish the Sandpiper pub in Cullercoats, councillors and campaigners urge the firm to respect the views of locals.
Councillors rejected an application by the leisure and property giant to demolish the pub and replace it with a 13.5m-high apartment complex with an Asda and bar. The application faced significant opposition from councillors and residents in Cullercoats.
A petition against the development, organised by tory councillor Linda Arkley OBE and tory council hopeful Steven Robinson, amassed 788 signatures. Many feared the building would overshadow their homes and increase energy costs, especially in winter.
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The addition of 14 new flats, each only equipped with one parking space, concerned residents who claim parking is already a premium in the area and increased traffic would create further problems.
When asked if the firm was considering appealing the decision, a Malhotra spokesperson said: “We are aware of the decision made at the planning committee meeting and, although we felt we addressed concerns raised through the process and re-designed the proposals in order to accommodate them, we will review the situation once we receive the decision notice from the Council.”
Coun Willie Samuel said: "I am pleased that the community has been listened to and I would ask Malhotra to respect the decision and not to seek to overturn it on appeal. I stand willing as a local councillor to facilitate a dialogue about the future of the site and the pub."
Conservative candidate for Cullercoats and local campaigner, Steven Robinson said: "Residents have made clear they don't want this development towering over our area, at the planning committee hundreds of signatures and objections to this proposal were submitted.
"I will continue to fight against this development on behalf of people across Cullercoats and Marden. The fight to protect our area from overdevelopment will continue."
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