A house which has remained unfinished for over two decades is finally heading for completion as construction works recommence.
Scaffolding once again surrounds the unfinished three-storey property on Whickham Bank in Gateshead which was first granted planning permission from Gateshead Council in 1998.
Construction started in 2003 but was halted in 2005 following concerns that the completed home would cause a loss of privacy to neighbouring properties. And since then the future of the building has remained uncertain.
- Read more: Jesmond Park Academy head announces school will reopen to all pupils and apologises for 'challenging few weeks'
- Keep up to date with all the latest news in and around Newcastle with our free newsletter
But following an Section 102 order from the Secretary of State earlier this year, the owner has two years to complete a number of modifications to the property, which are now under way. Gateshead Council will also regularly inspect the property throughout this time to ensure compliance with building regulations.
Section 102 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 means the council can make the landowner follow a revised scheme, which in this case would see the original pitched roof replaced with a flat roof, as well as alterations to windows and landscaping.
It marks a significant step forward for completion of the home which has been stuck in the planning and legal system for years and continued to cause concerns for locals, with some claiming that the derelict structure was beset with "biological hazards" such as nesting pigeons, rats and fly-tipping.
Whickham North Liberal Democrat Councillor Sonya Hawkins said: "At last, progress is being made. Hopefully the property, on one of the most prominent sites in Whickham, will soon be completed."
A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: "Following the planning requirements imposed by the S102 order, the owners are required to complete identified work by a predetermined deadline. Our building control will regularly inspect the property throughout this time to ensure compliance with building regulations."
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Christmas and New Year in the North East community
Join our I'm A Celebrity community for all the latest updates from the jungle
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
