Payments for fobs should now be made by electronic banking to Kingston. Paypal is no longer available.
Account: Kingston Property Service Qube Client Account
Sort Code: 20-59-79
Account: 53536084
When making the payments please use the following reference: STAQU FOBXX
( XX BEING THE FLAT NUMBER THE FOB PAYMENT REFERS TO)
Held at the Mal Maison Hotel, Newcastle, 7th September 2021.
Minutes and YouTube video are now available in the secure members area of this site.
If you have been following developments on this site you may be aware that we fought against and helped thwart plans for a huge development on Plot 12, to the East of St Anns Quay.
We fully support any new development proposals on that land that are appropriate in design and scale and add value to the neighbourhood. We are genuinely hoping that the land could be used for something other than yet another block of apartments.
All of the material related to that campaign has been archived and can be found here on the news pages and you can subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep updated.
We are also in the process of trying to resolve the cladding issues relating to our building in conjunction with the local authority and the fire service. As more information is available it will be shared here.
PRESS RELEASE
News that the Government is set to bring in a developer levy and appoint a regulator for the building sector, is to be very much welcomed.
The move, a response to the Grenfell Inquiry, will bring disreputable builders to heel and come to the aid of crisis-hit leaseholders up and down the country.
A survey by Inside Housing magazine reveals that leaseholders hit by the cladding crisis are on the brink of financial ruin, with one in six exploring bankruptcy options and 62.5% facing repair costs of more than £30,000.
As part of the management team at St Ann's Quays, Newcastle, which has 91 apartments, I have fought an uphill battle over many years, as our leaseholders have been forced to pick up bill after bill for the shoddy and negligent workmanship of our builder. They handed over a development with many hidden flaws that surfaced as time went by.
Robertson Group has been around since 1976, but they formed a separate company to build St Ann's Quay and they subsequently closed that business down in 2015. I can only conclude that the separate business was launched so as to avoid liabilities within the Robertson Group name. In doing so, the directors have walked away from all financial and moral responsibility for the shortcomings of their work.
However, our leaseholders have, over the years, had to face continual costs for a vast range of very expensive problems, including cavity barriers, insulation, masonry, balcony timber, the potential cost of replacing inflammable cladding and numerous leaks in the water system caused by the use of substandard fittings and atrocious workmanship, together with water ingress around window frames because the units have not been installed to specification. Our pain has been long and deep and, at this moment in time, we honestly don't know how, or when, this will end for our leaseholders.
I meet as part of a group called the Building Alliance, which comprises Pandongate, Marconi House, High Quays, 55 Degrees North, Ochre Yards, Commissioner's Wharf and Quayside Lofts. We come together to discuss issues of mutual interest and, without fail, the discussions inevitably turn to the builders and the catalogue of errors and negligence that costs many thousands of pounds to put right.
The Grenfell Inquiry has brought focus to the safety of high rise apartments and while the Government is now offering financial assistance to replace flammable cladding, we at St Ann's do not as yet know if we qualify. However, there is a development that we are fully supportive of.
The news the Government is to introduce a developer levy and to put in place a regulator, hopefully, with enough power to hold builders and developers to account, is a watershed moment for the building sector.
Residents will be protected through the establishment of a national regulator which will ensure materials used to build homes will be made safer. The regulator will have the power to remove any product from the market that presents a significant safety risk and prosecute any companies who flout the rules on product safety.
This follows recent testimony to the Grenfell Inquiry that shone a light on the dishonest practice by some manufacturers of construction products, including deliberate attempts to game the system and rig the results of safety tests.
The regulator will have strong enforcement powers including the ability to conduct its own product-testing when investigating concerns. Businesses must ensure their products are safe before being sold in addition to testing products against safety standards.
Additionally, The Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has announced plans to hit developers in the pocket by introducing a new levy and tax on the UK residential property development sector as part of a range of funding measures designed to pay for the costs of removal of unsafe cladding in residential buildings in England.
The proposed developer tax and levy forms part of a "comprehensive" plan to deal with the funding and removal of unsafe cladding, with the costs being picked up directly by the developer and not the leaseholders or the taxpayer. The levy will apply when developers seek permission to develop certain high-rise buildings in England.
In addition to the levy, there is now the prospect of a new tax for the UK residential property development sector to help pay for cladding remediation costs. This is expected to be introduced from 2022 and to raise £2bn over the next ten years.
There is scant detail around how these proposals are intended to operate. The Government is to consult "in due course" on the developer levy and tax but the intent is for largest property developers make a fair contribution to the remediation programme.
Sadly, it does always seem to be the case that it takes a disaster before radical change takes place. For far too long, developers and builders have acted irresponsibly and simply walked away without fear of penalty or punishment. This is set to change and leaseholders up and down the UK look forward to this coming into force.
Louise Richley, Director St Ann's Quay, Newcastle
16th June 2020 – Media Update
Opposition from Labour Councillor Alistair Chisholm
And from Chronicle Live – council accused of non transparency.
Residents gather to show solidarity in protest on Plot 12 – click here for video
https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2020/06/10/council-sees-further-backlash-against-quayside-development
5th June 2020
4th June 2020
3rd June 2020
28th May 2020 – PRESS RELEASE
Anger and disbelief at planning application for final piece of development land on Newcastle Quayside
Newcastle City Council faces a major PR own goal, as controversy surrounds a potential property development on the final parcel of land on Newcastle Quayside.
St Ann’s Quay and High Quays, situated either side of the proposed development, are in fierce opposition to the development, which they say is totally out of scale with existing apartment blocks and will infringe rights to sunlight and daylight and cause overshadowing.
The deadline for objections to the planning application for the 292 apartment block, which is being brought by construction firm Robertson and landlord Packaged Living, is June 12.
Louise Richley, director at St Ann’s Quay Management Ltd, home to 91 residential apartments on St Ann’s Street, is voicing the serious concern of her residents.
“This should be a truly significant moment and one of civic pride, as it reflects the final piece in the acclaimed rejuvenation of the area, which is famous across the globe and completes the Quayside masterplan of Sir Terry Farrell. Instead, we have a planning application that is unanimously condemned by its potential near neighbours due to its size, scale and clear lack of consideration for those around it. We recognise and welcome the need for a development to take place on this site but this is not the answer. This will be a real PR own goal for the city council and must be rejected.
“Having consulted with a planning expert we are in a position to highlight a number of issues which must be addressed. Instead of sweeping views of the Quayside and River Tyne, residents now face the impact of a development that threatens the very character of the Quayside.
“At St Ann’s Quay, 25 occupiers of east-facing apartments will see their views significantly reduced due to the proposed height, scale and proximity of the development, which will affect their outlook, sunlight and daylight. 11 apartments also risk losing their privacy due to being completely overlooked.”
Ian McGlasson, director for High Quays, said: “We are against the proposed development for a number of reasons, one being our concern about the level of traffic the development will bring. City Road is often a source of gridlock in rush hour traffic and the surrounding streets are crowded with street parkers. The new proposal only includes 47 parking spaces for 292 apartments, it’s just not viable. Parking spaces in High Quays and St Ann’s are already over-subscribed and that’s one space per apartment. Even if tenants initially don’t have a car, what governance is there if they change job and need one? This will result in further crowding on Horatio Street and Ouseburn.”
A key principle for accommodating new development is set out in the Tyne Gorge study carried out in 2003 – and commissioned by English Heritage, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council – which clearly states that any new build developments should not compete for attention with existing attractions and historic places, such as St. Ann’s Church, which is situated to the immediate north of the proposed development and as a Grade I listed building requires protection. The proposed building is within its immediate sight and will obliterate important views of the church from both the Newcastle and Gateshead riversides.
Dr Nigel Dipper, also a director at High Quays, said: “The development of this site represents a golden opportunity to provide an iconic high-quality building that will significantly improve the Newcastle Quayside. Were it approved, the current inappropriate proposal would inflict damage on the entire area, reducing the attraction of this critical area for both residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Photo caption: (left to right) St Ann’s Quay leaseholder, Andrew Thompson, Ian McGlasson, director of High Quays, Louise Richley, director at St Ann’s Quay Management Ltd.
Issued to the media on behalf of St Ann’s Quay Management Ltd and High Quays, Newcastle, by Daniel O’Mahoney, Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations. Email: danielomahoney@bradleyomahoney.co.uk Contact: 07770480410
If you require further information about the latest plans for the disused land at the east end of St Anns Quay you will need to login to the secure area – click here.
Our next AGM has been organised for Tuesday 19th May 2020 at 7pm at the Mal Maison – formal notices will come out closer to the time.
Latest update as at 28th June 2019 can be found on the secure area of the website.
Latest update as at 250619 can be found in the secure area.
At the May 2019 AGM there was further discussion about the waterproofing of tiling in bathrooms and en-suites. Although nobody was informed at the time, the developer used tiling that is porous in nature. The tiling should be treated every year to keep it waterproof, and this treatment is the responsibility of the leaseholder.
A helpful suggestion was provided from a new leaseholder, Mr Slater. He recommended a contractor who cleaned and sealed the tiles to his shower and bathroom at a reasonable price prior to his moving in. His name is John Brown, A J Restoration, Telephone 07889 064788.
Newcastle City Council’s Submission Development and Allocations Plan (DAP), submission documents and supporting documents were submitted to the Secretary of State for examination on 13 March 2019. A Planning Inspector, appointed by the Secretary of State, will now conduct an examination into the DAP’s soundness and legal compliance.
The DAP is the second part of Newcastle’s Local Plan. The Local Plan is a collection of documents that will guide the future development in Newcastle to 2030. The DAP plays an important role in shaping the future of Newcastle. It provides more detailed policies to support and help to deliver the strategic policies set out in the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan (CSUCP) which was adopted in 2015.
The DAP and Submission Documents include;
• Submission Development and Allocations Plan (DAP)
• Submission DAP Policies Map
• Schedule of Minor Modifications
• Consultation Feedback Report
• Sustainability Appraisal
• Duty to Co-Operate Statement
• Supporting documents relevant to the preparation of the DAP
These documents are available to view online at www.newcastle.gov.uk/localplan2 and at Newcastle Civic Centre.
Thank you for your patience whilst recent roof repairs have been going on.
The last part of the project has now completed and stained ceiling areas in communal areas have been repaired and decorated.
When we went out to tender last year we did consider replacing the whole roof membrane but he manufacturer was satisfied that this wasn’t necessary and that proper repairs would suffice. As you can imagine those repairs in total have come in at a fraction of the price of a new roof.
The repairs have been funded from the reserve fund so will not impact your service charge budget.
The final problem was a leaking area under a pedestrian safety walkway. That walkway had to be removed and the area underneath repaired, then a new walkway constructed.
The contractor is now satisfied that repairs are complete and in conjunction with the roof system manufacturer Sarnafil the repairs have a ten year guarantee.
Unfortunately in prior years before we assumed our responsibility under the head lease for maintaining the roof, any repair work was very much ad hoc and in some cases not fit for purpose. By working closely with the manufacturer and their recommended partner we now have a robust system for dealing with issues as and when they occur.
We have had some questions recently about insurance.
Building Insurance – the fabric of the building and the communal areas are insured under the freeholder ‘s insurance policy – as per the lease the cost of this policy is paid for by the leaseholders via the service charge.
However all leaseholders are advised to have cover for their apartments in the form of either:
a homeowners policy, covering the interior of the apartment/contents/personal items and public liability.
or
for those who rent out, a Landlords Property policy, covering landlords contents, Public Liability and Property Owners liability,
they should also ensure their tenants a personal effects policy which includes public liability.
2018/1639/01/DET
Erection of a 140m high (112m diameter) steel framed observation wheel with 60 cabins, a five storey visitor centre/wheel terminus (6790 sqm) comprising food, beverage and merchandising outlets (sui generis), 3 x two storey buildings (2940.3 sqm) comprising food and beverage units (Class A3 to A5) and a three storey family entertainment centre (10,771 sqm) (Class D2) with associated parking (171 spaces), cycle parking, servicing, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works. | Former Spillers Quay Spillers Quay Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne
Track the application here https://publicaccessapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/?fbclid=IwAR3AAtzn_N_6ft1lGoWmkGW4wrZZ_GvJEdV2BzhGz4EGkT8BgEG9CBdfZfo
Using planning reference
2018/1639/01/DET
Like most items inside your apartment, maintenance and repair of your smoke detectors is the individual leaseholder’s responsibility. However, as part of our risk assessment process it has come to light that these units have a ten year service life so are now in need of routine replacement.
To simplify the process we have gone out to tender for this replacement work and your detector will be replaced for you within your service charge.
However we do need to access your apartment to do the work. If you are renting out your apartment please let your tenant know that this work needs to take place. We will let you know when works commence and in the case of apartments which the concierge holds a key for we will take care of the process. If we do not have a key you will need to arrange access.
Many thanks
The Directors
27th November 2018
We have had a few enquiries about repairs that have been made to the roof in recent months.
As this is the first year we have been managing the building directly it came to light that the roof required some attention, and of course the roof is now almost 15 years old anyway. In the early summer we had an electronic survey and went out to tender to 3 companies with a view to “catching up” on routine maintenance and doing whatever was required to get the building watertight.
Total replacement was considered but it was prohibitively expensive and not really necessary. Subsequent to that we had a more detailed survey and in total have had carried out almost 200 repairs to the roof area by a local specialist recommended by the roof material manufacturer, Sarnafil. Those works are almost complete, with a couple of persistent areas that are currently being completed.Those repairs are all covered by a five year guarantee.
These works are part of general routine maintenance and as such fall within the various elements of the service charge, which at this point in time is not expected to exceed the budget we issued at the start of the year.
Going forward these repairs and an annual survey will be built into our financial planning and an update will be provided at the AGM in the Spring.
Meanwhile, thanks for your patience !
The Directors
9th November 2018
As discussed at the 2018 AGM, it has been clarified that the area at the east end of the building at river level is part of our responsibility under the head lease.
Over the years it has proven difficult to manage the area properly so we have installed a barrier system to prevent unauthorised use.
If you need to arrange access to the area for loading or unloading, moving in or out etc, you can do so by arrangement with the concierge who can provide leaseholders with an access fob which must be signed for and returned within 3 hours.
If you are a registered blue badge holder you may park in the area for up to 3 hours to assist with unloading shopping etc. Please present your blue badge to the concierge for copying who can then order a fob for you. Cost is £55.
We are currently in the process of having repairs and upgrades made to the communal satellite feed. Providing TV and satellite feeds into each apartment is the responsibility of SAQML. Cabling etc inside the apartment is the responsibility of the leaseholder as is arranging service provision through Sky. Once this work is complete, leaseholders will be also able to have the Sky Q service if required.
These readings will be updated monthly so you can, if you wish, monitor your water useage.
Click here to download in Exel format
At the recent AGM there was some discussion about the waterproofing of tiling in bathrooms and en-suites. Although nobody was informed at the time, the developer used tiling that is porous in nature. The tiling should be treated every year to keep it waterproof, and this treatment is the responsibility of the leaseholder,
Thanks to Tom Steanson for the following advice –
“Further to discussion of ensuite shower floor tiling. Please see attached. The protector spray is about £15.00 and the tile grout (MUST BE WALL AND FLOOR) can be bought at any tile centre. Scrape out any loose grout apply new grout, leave for 24 hours, then spray with protector.”
Presentation slides from the AGM held 22nd May 2018 are now available on the secure area of this website.
You will need a login to retrieve them – follow the instructions on this page to receive one.
Minutes of the AGM will be available very soon.
Unfortunately we are having issues with people using the bin store inconsiderately. Please read and understand our Recycling & Waste Disposal Policy clearly as misuse will incur administration charges.
Be part of an event that attracts more than 110,000 attendees over one weekend in the heart of Newcastle, on some of Britain's most beautiful streets.
NE1's Newcastle Motor Show is a two-day festival of motoring, featuring incredible vehicles, displays, exhibitions and entertainment across the city-centre.
Just up the road from us, mostly around Grey Street.
Here at St Anns Quay our lease forbids short term letting (ie less than 6 months) and over the years we have and will continue to pursue anyone breaching the lease in this way through the legal system.
In the light of “Operation Sanctuary, local police have alerted us of our need to be especially vigilant around this issue.
Across the city, apartment complexes just like ours have been used for criminal purposes. We have been made aware of drug related issues here in at least one apartment in the past, sadly not leading to a conviction but we will always report any illegal activity to the police, and of course if you are renting out your apartment as a “hotel alternative” on a nightly or weekend basis, aside from being a breach of the lease, it is much more likely that criminal activity will take place.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/flats-being-rented-online-stage-14625001
Just to reiterate, anyone short term letting is in breach of their lease and we will ensure that legal processes will be applied and ultimately the lease may be forfeited. St Anns is a premium residential development, not a student block or a “party destination”
Reminder for leaseholders
The areas adjacent to the East and West Quayside entrance doors are not for use as general parking areas.
Contractors or visitors who are working in the communal areas of the building may request a temporary permit from the concierge.
Equally, if you are moving in or moving out, or having something large delivered, please make arrangements with the concierge and he will let you use a temporary permit.
Any vehicles in these areas which do not display an authorised permit will be subject to a parking charge.
This policy will be supported by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology and parking charges will be automatically issued by that system.
If you are renting out your apartment please ensure that your tenants are reminded of this.
Many thanks
The Directors
Our Concierge service is the first point of contact for any minor routine queries from leaseholders during normal working hours. Note the phone number has changed
If you are renting then please contact your landlord or his managing agent for anything regarding your apartment.
We have been made aware of a planning application just across the river on the Gateshead side to expand Tarmac’s roadstone operations and to build a feed hopper and hot storage unit. Although its not in our direct view it may well add further dust pollution not to mention potential pollution into the river. If you wish to learn more or comment you can do so here
If you have tried to read your lease you will know it isn’t exactly an easy read. We have tried to simplify the “do’s and don’ts” and produced a simple guide. Click here to download it.
We are noticing an increasing number of pets here.
Under the terms of the building's Lease, pets can only be kept with the prior written consent of St Ann's Quay Management Ltd. When applying for consent please let us know the number and type of pets you wish to keep at your apartment.
If the pet is a dog then please also let us know the breed and colour.
If the details you supply are reasonable then we will respond on behalf of St Ann's Quay Management Ltd granting you consent to keep a pet on the property.
It is also important to note that consent can be withdrawn if the animal causes a nuisance or annoyance to other occupiers
Note that any application needs to be by the leaseholder as well as the tenant.
Click here to complete the form
As is allowed to us as an option in the building Head Lease, The Directors have always chosen to appoint a third party managing agent to execute many of our responsibilities as laid out on that Lease and to carry out the complex requirements of managing the building. This has been Kingston Property Services, (‘KPS’), since 2010. The Directors traditionally have managed KPS with regular meetings and correspondence.
With effect from January 1st 2018 the activities carried out by Kingston on our behalf will reduce and will be mostly around billing and debt collection. As such the day to day management of the building will revert to the Directors. This is in no way a reflection on Kingston, rather that this complex building has complex issues and we feel that leaseholders will be better served with a more hands-on approach by the directors, who are all full time residents in the building and have been for ten years or more,
Issues as they arise will be able to be dealt with more quickly and ultimately efficiently. In addition we will be forming more proactive relationships with our suppliers and other stakeholders such as CBRE.
With your annual invoice and budget, which was delivered on 11th December, you will see a letter describing this in more detail. If you have a login you can also read the letter in the secure area of this website.
What does need to be highlighted is the fact that as part of these changes we will be taking other services “in house” using our own staff. These services will include cleaning of common areas and minor repairs. In addition we will be commencing an ongoing decorating programme for the common areas, so that all corridors and lift lobbies will be fully and properly redecorated at least every 2 years. This will provide a higher standard and will offer cost savings over previous approaches.
“This whole approach is designed to get better value for the resident leaseholders and to maintain the very highest standards for what is still considered to be one of the most prestigious developments in the city”.
You will notice therefore an increase in staff costs but a decrease in costs in other areas, and a minimal increase year on year.
At the next AGM and going forward the accounts and budget will be presented in a more detailed format.
We thank you for your support in this transitional period and look forward to providing more good news at the AGM.
If you browse the website you will see quite a lot of new content; please familiarise yourself with this. The website will expand and will be our primary method of communication so please keep calling back.
Should you have any queries please e-mail directors@stannsquaymanagement.co.uk
Our Concierge service is the first point of contact for any minor routine queries during normal working hours and he can be reached by phone or email –
0781 806 2011 concierge@stannsquaymanagement.co.uk
Directors can be contacted by e-mail only – directors@stannsquaymanagement.co.uk
Billing and debt collection services are provided by Kingston Property Services working on SAQML’s behalf.
You can contact Kingston with billing queries between 9 am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday on 0844 800 3 800 (select option 3) or by email.
All other queries should be directed to contact@stannsquaymanagement.co.uk
Building Issues
If you are a resident leaseholder and wish to report any building issues or defects please complete an online report by clicking the button below. If you are renting you will need to first contact your landlord or his/her letting agent.
Further to the earlier post, we can now confirm that samples of the cladding used in the construction of the business have gone away for testing. We expect them to be returned and refitted in the next few weeks.
25th November 2017
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy some residents have expressed concern about cladding materials here at St Anns.
As cladding is part of the fabric of the building it is the responsibility of the freeholder, M&F Finance via their agents, CBRE.
We have raised these concerns with CBRE and the manager responsible for St Anns comments – “CBRE have tasked a national company to undertake all inspections of any cladding on their entire portfolio, as yet I don’t have a date as to when SAQ will be done, as soon as I find anything out I will keep everyone informed”
We have just had confirmation from our planning consultant at Ward Hadaway – the application for the development on Plot 12 has been withdrawn.
Thanks for all of your support over the last few months, especially to those who commented on the planning portal.
Hopefully in due course a more appropriate scheme will come along, meanwhile no bulldozers just yet!
Click here to download the Planning Officer’s Decision Notice
On 26th May we found about about this latest version of this scheme in the press.
2 weeks later the documents have finally appeared – now for a a mixed use / commercial / residential building (124 apartments) with a larger multi storey car park (150 cars) as against the original application which was residential only with virtually no car parking at all.
The grounds of our original objection still stand and can be viewed in detail on the planning portal.
Our planning consultant is looking at the documents now and we will report back soon. Meanwhile please take the time to look at the documents and comment accordingly.
The letter here arrived yesterday – for the information of the vast majority of our owners do not actually live in the building .
Nothing has appeared on the planning portal yet but this article has just appeared in Insider News North East.
Adderstone Group has submitted updated plans for a proposed 124-apartment and commercial scheme at Newcastle’s Quayside.
The 1.5-acre site, located adjacent to St Ann’s Quay, would be one of the last to be developed at the site and has been dubbed North Shore.
Having worked closely with Ryder Architecture, Adderstone Group has proposed a stepped, landmark envelope comprising five towers, varying between ten and 16 floors.
The updated application includes 122 two-bed and two one-bed apartments, and a 4,550 sq ft commercial unit.
The proposed scheme incorporates a number of private roof gardens and quay level gardens, and includes provisions for 151 car parking spaces.
It is estimated that more than 400 jobs would be created as a result of the project; 160 during construction and 240 through supply chain. The scheme would also contribute £2.7m in economic output.
Mark Clasper, director at Ryder Architecture, said: “The latest amendments address feedback following an extended consultation exercise and highly constructive input from North East Design Review Panel.
“Ryder is delighted to be working with Adderstone Group on this scheme which aims to deliver a high quality architectural solution, providing exceptional living and communal accommodation on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside. It is a considered response to the significant physical and geotechnical challenges.”
Ian Baggett, founder and chief executive Adderstone Group, added: “Our investment and development strategy is based on our conviction that Newcastle will become the fastest growing city in the Northern Powerhouse.
“The team has worked very hard on these projects and it makes us all very proud to be in a position to make such a difference in our home city.”
We will be taking further advice on this, meanwhile please keep an eye on the planning portal and register any comments in the usual way –
We have been made aware of this project. From the City Council –
Newcastle City Council’s draft Tall Building SPD Scoping Report Public Consultation
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to invite you to make representations on Newcastle City Council’s draft Tall Buildings SPD Scoping Report.
In the right location well-deigned tall buildings can make a positive contribution to Newcastle upon Tyne. They can be excellent works of architecture in their own right or as a group.
This Scoping Report summarises the relevant background information, issues and options for developing a Tall Building Policy and Supplementary Planning Document [SPD].
It is now a requirement that public consultation takes place. Consultation on the draft Tall Buildings SPD Scoping Report will last for six weeks from 4 April 2017 to 16 May 2017.
A copy of the Scoping Report is available to view on the council’s website at: https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents/tall-buildings-spd-0
Comments can be made by email or by post to the following addresses:
Following consultation, the council will consider all representations and prepare the SPD during the summer.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Planning Policy Team.
Quoting from Page 9 of the report – Unless an exceptional case can be made there will however, be a presumption against tall buildings that; rise from the River Tyne bankside level signi cantly higher than present landmark structures on the Quayside; tall buildings signi cantly higher than present landmark structures on top of the River Tyne escarpment; tall buildings signi cantly higher than general building heights within the historic core.
With regard to Plot 12 this is encouraging and we would ask anyone that would prefer to see a different kind of development on Plot 12 to comment on the plans.
Our view will be that of course tall buildings do have their place in clusters in the city centre, but not on the riverside.
We are resident in the nearby Toffee Factory and take an active interest in nearby developments. Normally we avoid making any comment as we don’t wish to become embroiled in critiques of other architects work. Nevertheless we feel in this instance that the scheme is so poorly thought out and significant that we must object.
Clearly we support the principle of development here and a building of significant scale and mass is appropriate.
However, there are key areas were the design falls short. The justification for this being the tallest building on the quayside is given in the D&A Statement as : ‘The height of St Ann’s Quay gives it a dominant mass, and it is considered appropriate for development to be higher adjacent to it, due to the viewing angle from the east on the Quayside.’ We fail to see how the viewing angle is justification for this excessive height.
The Farrell masterplan embraces an undulating skyline but the height of this is carefully modulated. There is no precedent for the sheer scale that is being proposed here. In addition the choice of materials and architectural treatment does not reflect the richness and variety of the other buildings on the quayside. Their palette is mostly warm in tone with primarily natural materials.
St Anne’s Quay also carefully modulates its massing by setbacks and a variety of balconies, fenestration and heights. The proposed building has a strict cool palette of materials which is applied without variation. The arrangement of windows and external expression is one of rigid and banal repetition which does nothing to mitigate its overbearing bulk.
We have not had sight of any of the planning authority’s urban design comments. However we would strongly suggest that a scheme of this importance would benefit from independent design review and robust intervention and guidance from the City’s urban design department before a determination is made.
In closing we feel that the design is poor as set out in para 64 of the NPPF which states: 64. Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions. This is by virtue of its ill-justified and overbearing massing and its poor quality of architectural expression.
We met with our planning consultant yesterday and went over the revised plans in some detail. Other than the fact that the developer has addressed a couple of our concerns, the substance of our objections remain unchanged from the original plans submitted last year. Indeed by addressing some concerns they may have added some new ones (for example building a 130 space multi storey car park into the hillside)
It is important to note that if you commented on the original plans last Autumn you need to further comment on these amended ones. In our view it isn’t necessary to write a new letter, simply to state that having looked at the amended plans, your original comment stands.
The deadline for new comment is this Friday, 10th February 2017, so if you wish to comment you need to do so quickly.
A new planning application has gone in for another block of 130 PRS (private rental scheme) apartments, this one on Crawhall Road, maybe 1/4 mile North of St Anns.
If you are interested or have a comment the proposals are here –
Having spoken to our advisors and looking at the objections already appearing on the planning portal, it seems that the revised plans do not overcome our grounds of objection as detailed in our original letter of objection.We had a directors meeting last night and agreed to continue in our objections to the scheme and are meeting our planning specialist early next week to formulate our response. In the meantime we urge you to log on to the planning portal and make your own comments. Deadline is 10th February.
As expected, the developer has submitted a revised set of plans for the East Quayside site. The new application is for 130 apartments and now includes a multi storey car park with 130 spaces.
Theres a lot of information on there to digest so please visit the planning portal and take a look at the new proposal. We will comment further in a few days after we have taken advice.
All of the key dates on the planning portal have now passed. However we understand that the developers are about to submit a revised set of plans for the scheme, which we also understand is to be renamed “North Shore”.
As soon as we know more we will add another update – meanwhile keep an eye on the planning website
Time for public comment on the proposed development on Plot 12, East Quayside has now passed.
Of 71 comments only 4 were in support, and they came from people living up to 6 miles away claiming to be "neighbours"
Our Facebook poll drew option from further afield, again more than 90% said "No" to the application in its current form.
Determination deadline is shown as 12th December with Statutory Expiry Date being 26th December but no date is shown as yet for the proposal to go to planning committee. Useful information about planning deadlines can be found here
Register or log in to the planning portal to keep up to date with progress –
We have been experiencing a lot of confusion over replacing lost fobs. For clarification –
1- Additional and replacement fobs will only be issued at the request of the leaseholder (owner), not the managing agent or non leaseholder resident and are chargeable. To be clear and put simply – if you are renting, only the owner can request fobs.
2- It is important that you keep a record of the serial numbers of your fobs as this information will be required if you need to order a replacement
Our access policy can be found here.
Not particularly relevant to St Anns Quay but anotherPRS (private rental scheme) building that is going to stick out on the city skyline. we just came across this proposed development, another PRS (private rental scheme).
“Plans have been submitted for a landmark PRS tower in Newcastle by Surrey-based Stonegate Developments. The plans, designed by architects Faulkner Browns are for a 26-storey tower comprising 162 residential units on Rutherford Street aimed at the private rented sector. The application says the proposed building takes inspiration from other major northern cities such as Manchester and Leeds which have embraced tall buildings successfully”.
It seems that, as in the case of Plot 12, height is necessary to ensure financial viability.
Find out more and comment – Planning reference 2016/0330/01/DET
It might be too late to influence the future of America but if you haven’t already could you take a moment to vote on the planning proposals in the poll on our Facebook page –
https://www.facebook.com/plot12eastquayside/
We will be adding those poll results to the planning portal soon so please spread the word.
Comments on the planning portal are still coming in, joined today by an objection by our local councillor. It appears that the site will continue to take comments for a few more days so if you haven’t done so or if you’ve had further thoughts (you can register multiple comments) please head over to the planning portal.
https://publicaccessapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=OCVP69BS05100
Thanks to all of you who took the time to register with the city’s Planning Portal and pass comment on the planning application for Plot 12.
Something like 85 comments have been recorded on the portal, only a couple of which support the proposed development in its current form.
Clearly there is no appetite for this development. Once we are notified of the date of the planning committee we will update you. It is our intention to instruct our planning specialist from Ward Hadaway to attend the committee and speak on our behalf.
If you are reading some of the documentation associated with the planning application on Plot 12 you will come across references to this interesting study. It is lengthy but pertinent nonetheless.
“The Tyne Gorge Study in effect provides a Character Appraisal of the area and this type of guidance is an invaluable tool for understanding and evaluating the significance of a place. It identifies the unique combination of features that make a place distinctive. Character appraisal is essential in maintaining a sense of place which is an important part of decision making.”
The Tyne Gorge, particularly the stretch consisting of the group of bridges over the river that links the central urban areas of Gateshead and Newcastle, has created one of the most dramatic townscapes in the country. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and the Tyne Bridge in particular, are nationally recognised symbols of Tyneside.
The rate of change along the Tyne Gorge has accelerated in recent years, not least as a result of The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. As a result, the area is facing increasing development pressures and to safeguard the gorge’s special character it is important that future change within this area is actively managed. To set the context for this, the “Urban Landscape Study of the Tyne Gorge” (also known as the Tyne Gorge Study) was commissioned by English Heritage; the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE); Newcastle City Council; and Gateshead Council.
The study was undertaken by Land Use Consultants and published in 2003. The principle task for the consultant was to explore the development of Newcastle and Gateshead in relation to the river, and its bridges, and to produce broad principles for both the siting, and design of, new development within the gorge.
The main objectives of the Study were to:
Define the geographical extent of the study area.
Analyse the historical development of the gorge and its two settlements, Newcastle and Gateshead.
Undertake a visual analysis of the gorge.
Indicate the importance of different areas of the gorge.
Identify threats and opportunities within the gorge.
Indicate principles for the protection and development of the gorge in the future.
In order to achieve these objectives, the study appraises architectural and townscape quality; identifies strategic views and important landmark structures and buildings; and presents a topographical analysis of the gorge, establishing the different land typologies within the study area.
Collectively this information has determined a number of distinctive character areas within the gorge and for each of these areas the study highlights threats and opportunities and provides principles for their protection and development in the future.
The Tyne Gorge Study in effect provides a Character Appraisal of the area and this type of guidance is an invaluable tool for understanding and evaluating the significance of a place. It identifies the unique combination of features that make a place distinctive. Character appraisal is essential in maintaining a sense of place which is an important part of decision making.
The study has since been used to assist the planning process by providing proactive guidance for developers in the design of their proposals, and a basis for producing planning/design policies by Gateshead Council, such as Policy ENV26 in the current Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and the supplementary policy – Interim Policy Advice (IPA) note 4.
Source – http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Building%20and%20Development/Regeneration/GatesheadWide/TyneGorgeStudy.aspx
Doing some research we came across some information from the original Masterplan for Newcastle. Plot 12 is the last remaining piece of land that was covered by this plan and it is interesting to compare the vision to what is currently being proposed. You will see the Masterplan being referred to in some of the supporting information.
"A masterplan for the regeneration of the waterfront along the River Tyne was drawn up by Sir Terry Farrell in the late 1980s. Maximum and minimum heights were laid down for the new apartment blocks that were built along the water's edge.
In 1991, on winning the commission to develop the Quayside, Terry Farrell and Partners set out to establish a new 'place' in Newcastle that would act as a framework for a phased mixed-use development. This has evolved and become the focal point of a rapidly changing quarter of Newcastle. The scheme reflects the site's historic use as a dock, whilst revitalising the Quayside.
The Quayside has an identity and character unique to Newcastle based on a sequence of landscaped squares and urban spaces along the river. The development makes this district an exceptional place to live and provides a first-class office environment, together with an exciting retail, leisure and public focus for the new Quarter; the layout and detail of the scheme forges links to all surrounding developments and neighbourhoods.
The masterplan for Newcastle Quayside provides a framework of urban spaces, pedestrian activity, vehicular and service circulation, services and other civil engineering infrastructure, together with urban design guidelines for the development of individual buildings which have been built to conform to this framework. The masterplan has proved to be sufficiently robust to allow for changes over time.
Central to the scheme is a major landscaped civic square, which provides a heart to the new Quarter and links retail and parking elements to the pedestrian route along the river. This pedestrian route passes through the whole of the scheme, intersecting several secondary urban spaces. The masterplan provides clear and legible pedestrian links throughout the site as well as enhancing the route along the river's edge. It also affords a permeable pedestrian network outside the site, thereby knitting itself in as an integral part of the city.
The masterplan transformed the industrial waterfront of Newcastle into a new commercial and cultural hub for the city. Its completion provided the impetus for the new pedestrian bridge across the river and the subsequent cultural regeneration of the Gateshead Quayside on the opposite side of the Tyne.
This project won the Civic Trust Urban Design Award and RTPI Spaces Award in 1998 and was awarded the 1999 British Urban Regeneration Award for Best Practice." Source http://www.rudi.net/node/17796
Images from http://farrells.com/projects/newcastle-masterplan/
We have had a directors meeting this week and are putting together a strategy to deal with our objections to the planning application. This will include taking legal advice as to the various aspects.
Meanwhile please look at all of the documents online carefully and remember the deadline for lodging objections is only a couple of weeks away – 20th October.
So if you don’t think the development is something you want then please comment online –
2016/1416/01/DET | Erection of 5 blocks ranging between 10-16 storeys (Class C3) comprising 122 apartments and ancillary private gym and cinema with associated access, car parking, landscaping and urban realm works | East Quay Plot 12 East Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PD
Reference 2016/1416/01/DET
Alternative Reference PP-0544177
Application Received Fri 02 Sep 2016
Application Validated Mon 26 Sep 2016
Address East Quay Plot 12 East Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PD
Proposal Erection of 5 blocks ranging between 10-16 storeys (Class C3) comprising 122 apartments and ancillary private gym and cinema with associated access, car parking, landscaping and urban realm works
Status Registered
https://publicaccessapplications.new…=OCVP69BS05100
Images below from the planning documents – copyright Ryder:
Thanks to Skyscraper City for the heads-up – http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=981868&page=6
After much speculation it does now appear that there is a firm plan to build on the land adjacent to St Anns Quay known as Plot 12 East Quayside
“Adderstone Group has proposed a 122 apartment scheme on the vacant site known as “Plot 12”. The 1.5 acre site, adjacent to St Anne’s Quay, is one of the last to be developed on the Quayside.
Working closely with the planners and Newcastle based Ryder Architecture, a stepped, landmark, envelope comprising five towers, varying between 10 and 16 floors, has been proposed as the optimum solution for the site.
The proposals include 122 glass fronted apartments of between one and three bedrooms, all with balconies and spectacular views up stream towards the historic bridges, BALTIC and The Sage.
The proposals will also see significant investment in the landscaping of the existing embankment as well as communal rooftop gardens for residents.”
Our opinion –
At this stage the planning is at screening stage.
If you have any comments or wish to object please do so online – so far it is just a screening application so formal objections aren’t yet possible.
Screening opinion for a residential development of 150 units with associated landscaping and parking
We will be discussing this matter at our next directors meeting and will keep updating as more information becomes available.
If you do wish to object
If you have any views or comments or information that you would like to share please email us – directors@stannsquaymanagement.co.uk
Guide – Grounds for objecting to planning
To summarise, the following are the grounds on which planning permission is most likely to be refused (although this list is not intended to be definitive) :
• Adverse effect on the residential amenity of neighbours, by reason of (among other factors) noise*, disturbance*, overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, etc.
The following points, on the other hand will not be taken into account in deciding on the acceptability of the development in planning terms :
• The precise identity of the applicant;
• The racial or ethnic origin of the applicant, their sexual orientation, religious beliefs, political views or affiliations or any other personal attributes;
• The reasons or motives of the applicant in applying for planning permission (for example if the development is thought to be purely speculative);
• Any profit likely to be made by the applicant;
• The behaviour of the applicant;
• Nuisance or annoyance previously caused by the applicant [unless this relates to an existing development for which retrospective permission is being sought];
• Concerns about possible future development of the site (as distinct from the actual development which is currently being proposed);
• Any effect on the value of neighbouring properties
If you have noticed this item on your statements from CBRE please ignore it – it was an admin error at their end and is not due. Statements will be revised accordingly.
You will have received a letter from the council regarding the above. The little beach that pops up every year is going to be turned into another watering hole, with alcohol for sale on the premises and off the premises between 9am and midnight, 7 days a week, together with “regulated entertainment” and “recorded music”
If you are interested in supporting or objecting to the application, the link is here –
2016 AGM arrangements have now been confirmed as –
Date – Tuesday 24th May 2016
Time – 7pm
Venue – Chateau Lounge, Malamaison Hotel, 104 Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3DX
All shareholders are invited to attend.
This years AGM will be sponsored by your recommended letting agents, who are part of the St Anns Quay Letting Charter.
Refreshments and a light buffet will be served.
You should have received the papers and agenda by now so please confirm your attendance by filling out the form with the papers or by a quick e-mail to mail@kingstonpropertyservices.co.uk
Directors are unpaid and their time and expertise is given simply because they have a long term desire to help keep St Anns a high quality, safe place to live. The role takes up a considerable amount of time and inconvenience. However, the Director’s role is not to deal with issues directly and all day to day matters should be directed to the concierge, who will refer to the appropriate person at Kingston as required.
If you wish to get involved in the management of St Anns as a Director and have a particular expertise and are prepared to give up a considerable amount of time pro-bono we would love to hear from you. directors@stannsquaymanagement.co.uk
Do we have your up to date contact details ? Its important that we can get hold of you quickly if required. Please complete the form here to make sure we can stay in touch.
Some confusion has arisen regarding ordering replacement or additional access fobs.
Each leaseholder has been issued with 2 fobs.If you require a replacement or additional access fob for St Anns Quay please complete the online form.
Payment for fobs must be made in advance, to Kingston, by debit card. You can make payment over the phone, just call Kingston Property Services on 0844 800 3 800.
Please tick the box on the form to confirm that you have made payment.
Note that your details will be verified against our database. Also note that replacement or additional fobs will be supplied at our discretion, and that the cost of £25 per fob will apply unless your current fob is found to be faulty. Faulty fobs need to be returned for exchange.
Further information can be found in our Security and Access policy here. After reading the policy you will see a link to complete the online form to apply for replacement fobs.
Once again we are experiencing noise issues from occupants. Leaseholders permitting antisocial behaviour are in breach of their leases and if necessary, as we have done in the past, we will take legal action against the inconsiderate minority.
It is important that all tenants and lessees are able to enjoy living at St Ann’s and be free from the noise and inconsiderate behaviour of others, both inside apartments and within the common areas.
Please respect your neighbours when listening to music and when moving around corridors, and arriving at or leaving the building.
Noise from apartments, even just conversation, can be significant and cause a nuisance, particularly late at night, when doors and windows are left open.
The requirement not to cause a nuisance, annoyance, disturbance or inconvenience is contained within the lease agreement and legal steps will be taken should such breaches occur.
If you have an issue with noise we suggest the following approach:-
1. At the time of the incident please call Newcastle City Council Noise Team on 0191 2744000. The line is manned between 7pm and 4am . They will attend to deal with any noise issues directly with the occupant.
2. Complete our web form We will investigate and as appropriate take up the matter with the letting agent and/or owner
3. Write to Kingston to report the matter formally.
It was always the intention by the designers and developers that built St Ann’s that this would be the best development in the city.
Those of us that call it home are keen to continue to improve things and raise standards and will pursue any anti social behaviour robustly.
