Changes to housing plans for Hebburn's former Narec Clothier Laboratories - which was once used for a Gary Numan music video

Dozens of homes are set to be built on a former industrial site once used as the dramatic backdrop for a Gary Numan music video.
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The site, off Victoria Road West, has been earmarked for housing since Miller Homes won planning permission in 2017 to build 334 homes.

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Following a land transfer deal, Home Group came on board to develop the southern part of the site and won permission to build 167 homes in 2019.

This week, South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee discussed an application from the housing association to amend the scheme.

Proposals included removing a previously approved three-storey apartment block and replacing it with houses, dropping the total number of homes on the site from 167 to 159.

Other changes covered new layouts to allow certain plots to have larger rear gardens and a 3.5 metre high acoustic barrier on the southern boundary.

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The plans were given the green light at a planning meeting on July 20, which was held via videolink and broadcast live on YouTube.

The landmark industrial site is set to become a new housing development for the areaThe landmark industrial site is set to become a new housing development for the area
The landmark industrial site is set to become a new housing development for the area

Home Group previously agreed to a section 106 agreement with the council, which helps planners secure cash to reduce the impact of the development.

As part of the changes to the housing estate, council chiefs will need to process a ‘deed of variation’ on this deal.

In action, this will assess whether obligations previously agreed are “consistent” with the new plan before planning permission is granted.

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Examples include provision of affordable housing and financial contributions towards transport improvements, education, air quality and local wildlife.

Gary Numan at the Mojo Awards in 2011. Picture by Ian West/PA WireGary Numan at the Mojo Awards in 2011. Picture by Ian West/PA Wire
Gary Numan at the Mojo Awards in 2011. Picture by Ian West/PA Wire

The former Narec Clothier Laboratories stood for more than 40 years after being opened in 1970.

Once the only high voltage testing site of its kind in the UK, the facility was used by the National Grid and other major operators.

However, the site has remained dormant since bulldozers moved in on the landmark lab in 2013.

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The building was also owned by engineering giant Siemens at the time.

Narec Clothier Laboratories, Hebburn, in 2013Narec Clothier Laboratories, Hebburn, in 2013
Narec Clothier Laboratories, Hebburn, in 2013

When Home Group’s housing proposals are completed, the south of the site will offer 29 two-bedroom dwellings, 65 three-bedroom dwellings and 65 four-bedroom dwellings.

According to a report prepared for councillors, the majority would be for private sale with 21 allocated as social housing.

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