Under threat: Developers want to demolish Beechcroft, in Belmont, which was used in Get Carter
A HOUSE that made an appearance in the cult gangster movie Get Carter should be saved from demolition because it has become a tourist attraction, it was claimed last night.
Developers want to demolish Beechcroft, in Broomside Lane, Belmont, on the edge of Durham City.
The 1950s detached property was used as gangster Cliff Brumby's house in the 1971 film set in the North-East and starring Michael Caine.
But it could soon be replaced by a dozen new homes if planning permission is granted.
Durham county councillor Ken Holroyd, who represents the Belmont ward, is among those who would like to see Beechcroft remain.
He said: "It is one of the sites visited on a Get Carter bus tour of the region so we will, in effect, be losing a visitor attraction in the city."
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Coun Holroyd has written to Michael Caine asking for his views, but so far has received no response.
"It is a pity if it goes, but at least there is a preservation order on the beech trees in the garden, so something will remain," he said.
The location for the house in the film is given as the fictional Durham Road, in Pentiles.
In real life, the two-storey detached house, complete with an indoor swimming pool, was the luxurious home of the late Durham businessman, Charlie Newton, and his family.
The planning application, submitted to Durham City Council and due to go out to public consultation this week, includes the demolition of Beechcroft and the construction of 12 homes, parking provision and associated access.
A Durham City Council spokesman said the plan would be advertised in a statutory notice in the press this week and neighbouring residents would also receive written notification of the proposals.
If planning consent is given and Beechcroft is demolished, it will mark the end of the line for yet another Get Carter location in the region.
In one of the most famous scenes in the film Brumby, who was played by actor Bryan Mosley - better known as Alf Roberts in Coronation Street - was thrown to his death from a Gateshead multi-storey car park.
Fans of the thriller were up in arms when outline planning permission was granted for the demolition of the car park in Gateshead town centre and argued that, although ugly and outdated, it should become the basis of a "cultural" trail around the town.
Even though the structure has its own appreciation society and supporters include film directors Quentin Tarantino and South Shields-born Ridley Scott, it remains scheduled to be demolished.
Already lost to the film's location history is the aerial flight system which carried coal waste from Murton Colliery to the coast and featured dramatically in the film.
Surely the house was called '[bold]Pantiles[/bold] ', as said by Thorpey in a south-Northumberland accent, in the film? It'd be a great shame if this house were to be demolished, as the Get Carter locations are slowly disappearing bit by bit. Good luck to Coun Holroyd and his campaign!
Surely the house was called 'Pantiles ', as said by Thorpey in a south-Northumberland accent, in the film? It'd be a great shame if this house were to be demolished, as the Get Carter locations are slowly disappearing bit by bit. Good luck to Coun Holroyd and his campaign!
Agreed "Get Carter" is a terrific film. Beechcroft was a lovely house. But who's going to save it? It's a private dwelling,and the owners should be able to do with it as they wish, subject of course to proper planning permission.Michael Caine doesn't want to know. The Appreciation Society has no money.
Get Carter? Get Real
Agreed "Get Carter" is a terrific film. Beechcroft was a lovely house. But who's going to save it? It's a private dwelling,and the owners should be able to do with it as they wish, subject of course to proper planning permission.Michael Caine doesn't want to know. The Appreciation Society has no money.
Get Carter? Get Real
QUOTE - Already lost to the film's location history is the aerial flight system which carried coal waste from [bold]Murton Colliery[/bold] to the coast and featured dramatically in the film.
Errm, don't you mean [bold]Blackhall?[/bold]
QUOTE - Already lost to the film's location history is the aerial flight system which carried coal waste from Murton Colliery to the coast and featured dramatically in the film.
I agree with Alan Armes the owners of the house should do as they wish.I have to say if Barty is an example of The Save The Get Carter society God help them I wonder what all the ********** mean.
I agree with Alan Armes the owners of the house should do as they wish.I have to say if Barty is an example of The Save The Get Carter society God help them I wonder what all the ********** mean.
Posted by: Rob James, South Shields on 10:30pm Sun 25 Mar 07
And so it seems the heathens at Durham City Council have continued with their desecration of a once-great city by giving the go-ahead for the demolition of Beechcroft.
Maybe I should apply for planning permission of a small estate of 'town houses' on Palace Green. It appears one would get planning permission without a question!
And so it seems the heathens at Durham City Council have continued with their desecration of a once-great city by giving the go-ahead for the demolition of Beechcroft.
Maybe I should apply for planning permission of a small estate of 'town houses' on Palace Green. It appears one would get planning permission without a question!
I cannot believe the council will let this happen, this film was one of the best thrillers ever and i'm sure a lot of other people including fans agree with me. I don't think there would be another film with this magnitude will be filmed at this lovley part of the uk again, so i hope the council will consider this and come to some sort of compromise
I cannot believe the council will let this happen, this film was one of the best thrillers ever and i'm sure a lot of other people including fans agree with me. I don't think there would be another film with this magnitude will be filmed at this lovley part of the uk again, so i hope the council will consider this and come to some sort of compromise
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