Land off Eastern Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6EE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, with specific regard to the Saltwell Conservation Area
• Whether the proposal provides suitable provision for open space and play facilities
• Whether suitable provision has been made for biodiversity net gain and the effect of the proposal on biodiversity
• Whether the proposal would provide suitable future living conditions
• Whether the proposal would provide sustainable drainage without increasing flood risk elsewhere

What decided it

The cumulative effect of unacceptable harm to the conservation area, failure to provide suitable living conditions, inadequate open space and play facilities, unsecured biodiversity net gain, and lack of sustainable drainage collectively outweighed the substantial benefits of housing delivery and brownfield reuse.

The substantial weight given to market housing supply and brownfield reuse was significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the substantial weight of harm to the conservation area, failure to meet the needs of future occupiers through inadequate living conditions and amenity, failure to provide biodiversity net gain, and lack of sustainable drainage, with the proposal failing to constitute sustainable development.