Plans to redevelop a disused bakery go before the planning committee at Newcastle Council this week.

If the plans are accepted the Premier Foods site (formerly Rank Hovis) at Wheatfield Road, Westerhope, will be developed into much needed affordable family housing. The site is no longer viable as a business, due to the state of the facilities, with bakery operations having ended in December 2006.

CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) are acting on behalf of Premier Foods. Director, Jay Everett said: “The site is no longer viable as a business, due to the state of the facilities, with bakery operations having ended in December 2006 and it lying vacant ever since.


“We have already had a great response to our plans from local residents via leaflet drops and exhibitions about our proposal. We have listened to their thoughts and wishes and revised our plans accordingly.

“We have also worked closely with the council and after our initial meetings, revised our plans from 100 dwellings to 80 to address its concerns about site boundaries. We are now confidant that all parties will be happy with the proposal, and that the planning application will be accepted.”

The new development will not only bring affordable housing, but other benefits to the current community at Westerhope, who were unhappy with the noise and dirt from the bakery. Improvements to the road network are proposed, in particular at the Stamfordham and Wheatfield Road junction, with the provision of new traffic signals and reconfiguration of the bus stop, resulting in increased safety for road users and pedestrians alike.

CBRE’s plans also include the provision of 0.1 hectares of open space on the site and investment of £80,000 for improvements to the existing Westerhope Park and its play area.

The planning application goes before Newcastle Council on 23rd November 2007.