Inquiry into fate of housing plan for heliport site

AN inquiry to decide the fate of a major housing development earmarked for Newcastle’s heliport will start next week.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Last December, Newcastle City Council refused to grant planning permission for up to 356 apartments to be built on the heliport to the west of the Utilita Arena.

The contentious project was branded “one of the worst” schemes proposed for the city in years by one councillor, amid concerns about the Skinnerburn Road site being an isolated area with few local services and potential damage to wildlife habitats. Developer MB European Limited is hoping to have the council’s verdict overturned, having appealed the decision to the Government's Planning Inspectorate.