An appeal into the decision to refuse planning permission for 200 houses in Baldwins Gate is set to begin this week. 

The Developers, Richborough Estates called for the decision to be looked at by a planning inspector in a public inquiry due to the planning committee at Newcastle Council not granting permission.

The application which was recommended for approval by officers would have seen up to 200 houses built on land at Baldwins Gate Farm, Newcastle Road, next to the Baldwins Gate boundary.

The plans also included more than five hectares (12 acres) of open space including community parkland, allotments and a children's "natural play" area.

The planning meeting in October 2022 stated the reasons for refusal were: "The site is not a sustainable location for further residential development by virtue of the limited public transport available, the best and most versatile agricultural land that would be lost and the harm to the character and appearance of the countryside. 

The plan included 12 acres of open space as well as 200 new houses (Google).

"These harms weigh heavily against the development outweighing the contribution to housing supply that the scheme would make.There are fundamental objections to the development which cannot be resolved and therefore the appropriate course of action is to refuse planning permission."

In the appeal document submitted to the planning inspector, Richborough Estates states: "There is a clear dispute between the parties on three key matters: the sustainability of the site as a location for further residential development by virtue of the limited public transport available. 

"The weight which should be attributed to the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land at the site and the impact that the proposed development would have on the character and appearance of the countryside."

Overwhelmingly the public were against the proposal. In submitted public comments 194 people objected to the plans, while only 42 voiced support.

Richard Oppenheimer, chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, speaking after the meeting in October said "The officers could have expressed the reasons for the refusal more strongly but it will be the planning inspectors job to weigh up the reasons for refusal and hopefully they will support the view the committee came too"

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