Plans to build 46 new homes on a former industrial site have been rejected because of environmental fears.
North Tyneside Council's planning department recommended approval for the scheme which would have seen major upheaval on the former Holywell Engineering site in Backworth.
But the authority's planning committee rejected the plans on Tuesday because of concerns about bio-diversity, over development, and fears the new homes wouldn't fit into the area.
David Little Pension Trust Fund is behind plans to flatten several buildings on the land, which was once part of the Eccles Colliery complex and pit yard.
There are a number of single-storey buildings still there, which were associated with mining, but are now in a poor condition. One of them - Dairy Cottage - is Grade II listed.
Had the plans been approved three existing properties - Backworth Lodge, Dairy Cottage and Ivy Cottage would have been turned into four flats and two houses.
Meanwhile a new apartment building made up of 13 flats would have been built along with 27 new dwellings.
Borough planners came out in favour of the scheme, and recommended it for approval.
A planning statement submitted to the council said the development would be "high quality."
It said: "The proposed development has been driven by a desire to create a quality development of high design value, with sensitive conversion and enhancement of the heritage assets and bespoke dwelling design that complements and enhances the special context of the listed building and conservation area. "
The committee also heard a statement read on behalf of Keenan's, a food processing facility that is based near the site.
The firm, which employs 12 people, and has been based in the area for 29 years, raised concerns that new residents would make noise complaints.
It said: "New houses here will create noise complaints putting Keenan's at risk of restrictions or even closure."
The committee unanimously voted to reject the application.
Coun Willie Samuel said: "I am quite concerned about bio-diversity being compromised. I have so many reservations I think it wouldn't be right to support this application."
