A bid to flatten a former factory to make way for an ambitious development has been given the green light - just months after an earlier version of the scheme was thrown out.
In December, North Tyneside Council’s planning committee went against its own officers to reject proposals to build apartments on North Shield’s Fish Quay for being “bland and uniform”.
The former North Eastern Rubber Company building on Clive Street, that leads to the North Shields Fish Quay, has been empty for around 10 years and is in a poor state of repair.
JC Quay Ltd was given permission on Monday to demolish the former plant to make way for three apartment blocks comprising 49 one and two bedroom flats and a two-bedroom town house.
The developer say the latest designs address the reasons for refusal and describe it as a "contemporary design that creates a back drop for the inclusion of heritage inspired art works to enrich and enliven this part of the Quay".
The council’s planning department has thrown its support behind the scheme saying that it will regenerate a site that has become an “eyesore”.
A report to the planning committee said: “The proposed development will bring back into use a previously developed site that is now vacant, derelict and an eyesore, that will sustain, conserve and enhance the significance, appearance and character of the North Shields Fish Quay.”
The planning committee agreed, with one member describing the scheme as a "good use" of the site.
Coun Muriel Green, who represents Weetslade, added: "This is a prominent place on the Fish Quay.
"This is a very good use of the building; turning it into flats that single people and families can purchase."
