Controversial plans to bulldoze a 19th century house next to the Cherry Tree in Newcastle-under-Lyme and build 12 flats have been deferred by councillors over financial viability reasons. The plans were set to receive the green light after planning officers recommended approval.

The existing house on the site, which dates back to the 19th century, has become 'run down and dilapidated', according to the plans lodged to Newcastle Borough Council. The proposed building for the 12 flats would have a 'contemporary appearance', with a mix of vertical zinc cladding and traditional red brick.

There would be six off-street parking spaces provided for residents. However due to the nature of the development council officers recommended entering into a legal agreement to secure a contribution of £62,426 towards offsite open space.

A 19th century house next to The Cherry Tree, Newcastle, could be demolished and replaced with 12 flats (Nub News).

However before councillors were set to debate the item a planning officer informed the planning committee that the applicant wishes to defer the application until a future meeting to conduct a financial viability assessment.

Planning officer told the committee: "Since the publication of the agenda the applicant has confirmed that the offsite open space contribution requested by the council's landscape development team would make the scheme financially unviable. So subsequently the applicant has requested that the application be deferred to a later meeting to allow time for a viability assessment to be submitted in support of the application."

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