PROPOSALS for 53 houses have been submitted to Gateshead Council’s planning department for a new Almshouse development on the site of a closed library and recreation ground.

Plans for the new self-contained community on Sunderland Road include an apartment building with communal facilities and bungalows.

The new homes will be managed by an associate charity, King James Almshouses, with the provision intended for residents of limited financial means aged 55 and above.

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Proposals put forward will see the disused library demolished and replaced with 42 one and two-bedroom apartments, 11 detached and semi-detached bungalows, and a warden’s dormer bungalow.

Communal living areas will feature in the apartment building, as well as a hairdressers and laundrette.

The Northern Echo: An artist impression of how the new development could look. Picture: ESH.An artist impression of how the new development could look. Picture: ESH.

The scheme will replace existing sheltered housing on the current Hospital of King James site, located less than one mile east of the proposed new development.

Hospital of King James is being supported by contractor, Esh Construction, who is working in partnership with Edwards Architecture, Portland Consulting Engineers, and Humphrey M&E Consultants to bring the development forward.

The Northern Echo: The old library on Sunderland Road, Gateshead. Picture: GOOGLE.The old library on Sunderland Road, Gateshead. Picture: GOOGLE.

Esh’s Head of Land and Partnerships, Laura Devaney, said: “Providing improved and affordable accommodation to meet the needs of the charity, its residents and the local community is the main principle behind this development.

“Esh is one of a small number of contractors in the UK who can apply for grant under the current Homes England Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, therefore we will pursue an application for grant to support the scheme’s viability should the planning application be successful.”

The Northern Echo: The new development would include 53 properties. Picture: ESH.The new development would include 53 properties. Picture: ESH.

The designs include communal gardens and a new private access road, while low carbon technology will be utilised throughout the scheme, with air source heat pumps and solar photo voltaic panels installed for residents.

Hospital of King James is Gateshead’s oldest charity, founded by Royal Charter in 1611.

The charity has leased the recreation ground to Gateshead Council for public benefit since 1902 and is currently in discussions with the Council regarding the replacement of facilities in order to release the land for development.

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