Labour Approves Rotary Way Chaos!

At a packed Planning Committee on Friday 19th September, the application to build a new petrol station and drive-through coffee shop on land to the south of the existing services on Rotary Way was approved by six Labour councillors, to the dismay and disappointment of local residents in attendance.

Three Liberal Democrat and one Independent councillor voted against the proposal, with a further Lib Dem abstaining on the principle that there wasn’t enough information to make a proper determination.

The controversial plans — particularly their impact on sewage and traffic — were discussed for over an hour, with Council Planning Officers, who had been working closely with the developer’s agent (Stantec) for several years, presenting their case for approval.

In opposition, three local residents, including a North Gosforth Parish Councillor, and Councillor Pauline Allen were each given brief speaking slots.

A resident of the North Gosforth estate spoke passionately about the long-running sewage odour problems she has faced with Northumbrian Water — problems that will clearly risk worsening when additional sewage from the new development is pumped into an already inadequate system. Northumbrian Water has failed to resolve these issues for six years, and has now formally assented to the development, to the fury of affected residents.

Another resident, whose property adjoins the site, noted that nothing had been done to address the “absolutely horrendous” traffic situation, which will only be made worse by the addition of the new petrol station and drive-through.

North Gosforth Parish Councillor Mark Loftus rounded off the objections by reminding the committee that there are already eight petrol stations within four miles of the site. He argued that the proposal is unnecessary and would harm the area’s amenity through increased traffic, pollution, and disturbance.

Finally, your Liberal Democrat Councillor Pauline Allen spoke on behalf of almost all residents — dozens of whom have objected, with only one contacting councillors in support. Pauline summarised residents’ concerns, including:

Loss of residential amenity

Repetition of services (we don’t need another petrol station!)

Destruction and damage to wildlife and nature

Volume of traffic

Increased pollution and poorer air quality

Sewage and flooding problems

It was then the turn of James Hall, Planning Director for the developer’s agent Stantec, who was granted time to speak in favour of the proposal. Mr Hall revealed how closely his team had worked with council officers — over a period of nine months — to refine the plans. He also let slip that a parcel of land was being gifted to the council to support the forthcoming Great North Road Bus Improvement and Rotary Way Highway Improvement schemes.

Despite all the strong opposition, Labour councillors voted as a block to approve the development, conceding only that the council should write to Northumbrian Water to raise the issue of the long-running sewage problems.

Your Liberal Democrat councillors have worked hard to represent the broad chorus of resident objections to this development. Although planning permission has now been granted, they will continue to hold the council to account and press for proper action on the issues residents have raised.

Pauline, Christine, Robin & David (Focus Editor)

In the picture – Pauline, Robin, David, and a local resident impacted by the development at the Rotary Way site.