Developers ask for more time in Ashington scheme

Posted by The Journal on Mar 22, 09 11:40 AM in News

Ashington High Street A decison on multi-million pound plans for new shops and homes in Ashington has been postponed after the developers asked for more time to get their proposals right.

Property company Terrace Hill is seeking the green light to build a 16-unit retail park and 80 flats in the Lintonville area of Ashington town centre - as part of a £60m regeneration scheme which also involves a £25m Asda superstore nearby.

The Terrace Hill scheme involves redeveloping the site of Asda's existing supermarket, which would be demolished and replaced by the new, 500-job superstore on the former Portland Park football ground.

It appeared to be heading for rejection after Wansbeck Council planners officers recommended district councillors to refuse the firm's outline application.

The town hall officials said the project would create road safety and traffic problems, and raised concerns about the 'shed like' design of the retail park.

Now members of the council's regulatory committee have deferred a decision at the request of Terrace Hill, and were told that the developer has appointed new planning consultants to take the scheme forward.

A council spokesman said: "The applicants' new planning consultants are now expected to have discussions with our planning officers about the proposals."

The Terrace Hill scheme is effectively the second phase of the £60m Lintonville redevelopment, the first stage of which will be the new 24-hour Asda superstore.

A report to the regulatory committee on Thursday night said there are concerns over the traffic and road safety impacts of the development, when it is taken in conjunction with the new Asda store.

Modelling carried out by highways officials has shown that the two schemes will generate levels of traffic which would require 'radical' improvements to specific road junctions.

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