They Were Told - Gateshead Council Turn 180 Degrees

In a bizarre about turn Gateshead Council lawyers have quashed the decision of their own Planning Committee regarding demolition in Saltwell and Bensham. The about turn was caused by SAVE Britain's Heritage who have consistently told Gateshead Council that they were acting unlawfully. To avoid the embarrassment of another court defeat Gateshead's legal eagles have written to lawyers acting for SAVE in the following terms;

"The Council agrees not to demolish any of the properties in the application area until it its receipt of a lawful decision for prior approval of demolition" (note this is an accurate quote including errors)

This means that for the second time Gateshead's keen planners have gone to a Planning Committee with an unlawful request to demolish. On the 4th February this year during the Planning Committee hearing some 22 objections were made including submissions on the legality of the decision. During the Planning Committee objections were brushed aside including the advice from SAVE.

SAVE described demolition in Saltwell and Bensham as a "national scandal" when they visited the area.

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