Independent Councillor Patrick Clarke has expressed his disappointment at planning approval being granted to Oaklee Housing to build social housing in Newcastle.
Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “Despite the many concerted efforts by myself and other elected representatives since February 2012 and the very many public concerns raised by both local residents and businesses, planning permission was finally granted to Oaklee Housing Association to build social housing at Donard Street, Newcastle.
“Planners had recommended that plans to demolish two former further education buildings to construct 15 apartments in two blocks and one house on land at Donard Street should proceed, despite vehement opposition from residents, business owners and elected representatives. This was effectively endorsed by some members of the Planning Committee voting in favour of the controversial planning application.
“As a former Newcastle Councillor on the legacy Down District Council, I held a number of meetings with Oaklee Housing to discuss the proposed social housing scheme since the planning application was first lodged in 2012.
“I argued that given the sheer weight of local public concern and opposition to the Donard Street proposal, Oaklee should seek a more suitable site in Newcastle which would have enough space for car parking green space and play recreation space also for young families as an alternative site for its scheme. Sadly, Oaklee Housing have ignored public concern and opposition.
“I had been contacted many times over the past four years by people and businesses who were very deeply concerned about the Donard Street proposal. A public meeting was also held back in 2012 in the Newcastle Centre with Oaklee Housing to discuss Oaklee’s plans with a petition subsequently being handed to planners highlighting the unsuitability of the scheme because of poor access, parking, density, traffic problems and social issues.
“I remained totally unconvinced that the Oaklee Housing decision to wishing to acquire the former Newcastle Technical College site to build social housing in an area such as Donard Street, Newcastle that already is occupied within the vicinity by late night taxis, bars, off licences, fast food outlets and traffic as well as the tourism footfall is not the best option.
“Regrettably since 2012 and despite the best efforts of myself, local residents, local elected members and planning consultants also hired to investigate the merits of the submitted planning application and whether it would meet the necessary planning policy criteria which incidentally took nearly four years for Oaklee Housing to meet now that the scheme has been given planning approval I only hope that there will be no medium to long term crime or anti-social problems for local elderly residents living nearby.
“Both I and those opposed to this scheme believe its design is totally out of character with the area and not reflective of Donard Street. Despite further submissions of objection by myself, SDLP Councillor Laura Devlin and planning consultants to convince the planning committee to reject this planning application planning approval was finally granted following a vote at the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 29th June.
“I remain totally unconvinced that the planning approval recommendation does not best serve neither the local business or public interest in Newcastle and hope that this decision does not impact on this part of Newcastle which already has a first class tourism reputation,” added Cllr Patrick Clarke.
