Residents upset over plans to demolish garages

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Affected tenants of the garages in Byrness Close in Kenton, Newcastle, said they were informed of the plans last month and a notice has since gone up saying demolition work could start in January.

Alan Taylor, whose family garage is affected, said it was "disappointing" there had been no consultation on the demolition and more housing would make the estate "crammed".

Newcastle City Council said it was "too soon" to confirm if any homes would be built and a consultation would help inform "what, if anything, is taken forward".

Taylor said the loss of the garages would make it harder for people to find a parking spot in an area "already populated with cars".

"It's disappointing that the council have chosen to not really consult, they've just kind of jumped ahead," he said.

Newcastle City Council's deputy leader Mark Mitchell said the block was one of "a number of smaller sites" being considered as part of work to tackle the city's "significant" affordable housing demand.

He said many of the garages were now in a poor condition and a recent survey had recommended their demolition.

"No final proposals have been developed for this site, and no decisions have been made," Mitchell said.

"We are engaging with residents to understand their views and help shape any potential plans, including through public meetings and opportunities to speak directly with the council at drop-in sessions."

A council letter to garage tenants sent last month and seen by the BBC says "many" of the garage blocks on the estate are underused or in poor condition and the site was proposed to be cleared and redeveloped for "much-needed new social rented housing".

It adds although the local authority would seek to identify alternative garages, it could not guarantee to provide them.

A notice has since been attached to one of the garage doors saying the council has applied for determination over whether the demolition method would need prior approval.

Taylor said new housing on the site of the garages would cut the street in half.

"I don't think anybody disagrees that there is a need for more social housing but at the same time that particular space they've chosen, it's not very big and it's just going to be crammed," he said.

"I think people just feel walked upon when the council don't approach them about a problem or it's an idea they've got to improve social housing."

Mitchell added that if proposals progress affected tenants would be kept informed and any future arrangements would be considered as part of the development process.

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