Traffic fears may put brakes on Ashington plan

Posted by The Journal on Mar 18, 09 09:55 AM in News

Road safety and traffic fears look set to put the brakes on plans for a second phase of a £60m shopping and housing development aimed at revitalising a former Northumberland pit town.

Asda has already been given the green light to build a £25m, 500-job superstore at the former Portland Park football ground in Ashington to kick-start the major redevelopment of the Lintonville area, just off the town centre.

Ashington High Street

The second phase of the scheme - by property developer Terrace Hill - involves demolishing Asda's existing supermarket and building a 16-unit retail park and 80 flats on the cleared site and surrounding land.

The overall scheme is said to have the potential to create up to 950 retail and construction jobs - but tomorrow Wansbeck councillors will be recommended to reject the outline application submitted by Terrace Hill.

Planning officers say there are concerns over the traffic and road safety impacts of the development, when it is taken in conjunction with the new Asda superstore.

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 to ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic.

In addition, planning officers have concerns about the lack of affordable housing in the proposed 80 flats and the 'shed-like' design of the retail park.

Tomorrow the district council's regulatory committee will be recommended to refuse permission for the Terrace Hill scheme.

Asda bosses have claimed the two linked developments will help arrest the decline of Ashington town centre by attracting more shoppers and their spending power.

The retail park proposes 16 new shopping units in three separate blocks - with 80 flats above one of the blocks - together with a public square providing space for Ashington Market and outdoor performances.

Portland Park, Ashington Portland Park has been demolished to pave the way for the new 24-hour Asda superstore, but a report to tomorrow's meeting says it would be premature to approve the second phase.

Terrace Hill says its plans will promote the vitality and viability of the town centre, which has been hit by the loss of the Co-op department store in recent years.

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