Controversial Newcastle hotel development given the green light

Plans for a 200-bed hotel on land surrounding the home of Newcastle United have been given the green light despite concerns over the impact on the St James' Park stadium.

Newcastle City Council has approved the proposal to build a 13-storey hotel at Strawberry Place, alongside two residential blocks of 21 and 10 floors each and a 12-storey office building.

Floor plans for the hotel suggest it will include a restaurant and bar, event space, meeting rooms and fitness facilities.

However, a “very large number” of objections have been raised over the £120m development, including by Newcastle upon Tyne Central MP Chi Onwurah, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and residents that it could prevent future expansion of the stadium and block views of the stadium from parts of the city.

According to planning documents, the applicants said the development would not limit the development of the stadium, and the council recommended the plans which it said would “provide significant economic benefits in terms of jobs and investment in this part of the city”.

Newcastle United FC owner and Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley sold the land to Durham-based Helios Investment Partners and Doncaster firm Marrico Asset Management in a £9m deal in February.