jmarchitects are pleased to announce that a planning application has been submitted to Newcastle City Council on behalf of Placefirst for a new residential neighbourhood  in Benwell, Newcastle.

The proposal will provide 146 new homes built on brownfield land east of Newcastle City centre, within the heart of Benwell Village. The proposal provides a variety of 2,3 and 4 bed homes on a prime site offering views across the valley towards the River Tyne.

The proposal responds to the historic layout of the site to work with existing topography and preserve views across the Tyne Valley. Capitalising on views to the river, new terraces in reference to the previous Victorian street pattern, provide a clear urban character with strong building frontages.

This arrangement provides private gardens to the rear of homes which lead onto secure, generous communal gardens. These shared garden spaces are key to an integrated drainage strategy; using swales with small basins to create a feature of rainfall and deliver areas of high value habitat.

The masterplan was informed by existing pedestrian desire lines on site and the key design decision to provide an accessible east-west link through the site to Hodgkin Park. A linear park running east-west across the full site provides this route whilst offering informal play and green meeting spaces along the way.

Along with the sites proximity to local amenities and sustainable transport links, the housing has been designed with a fabric first approach. The high thermally performing fabric is integrated with photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps; lowering energy bills for residents.

Work on the new development is due to start on site in late 2023.

Credit: Chris Nutton-Jones , jmarchitects Manchester