Newcastle City Council's planning committee is expected to reject a proposal to demolish the former Balloon pub in Fenham and replace it with a Starbucks drive-thru, citing concerns over traffic safety, design, and community impact.
Background and Community Reaction
The Balloon, a popular pub on Silver Lonnen, closed last year, leaving locals disappointed. Plans emerged to raze the building and construct a drive-thru coffee shop, sparking objections from 13 neighbours. One opponent described the pub as a "second home" and called for a community space instead, warning that a coffee shop would exacerbate congestion and risk accidents, noting that the pub is "a historic piece of architecture that goes back to the war."
Council Recommendation for Refusal
The scheme is recommended for refusal at the July 10 planning committee meeting. Civic Centre planners criticised its "haphazard and incoherent" design and potential "unacceptable impact on highway safety." Local Lib Dem councillor Mark Mitchell said the proposed road layout "is simply not designed to handle the flow of traffic on to and off the site during busy periods."
Applicant's Arguments
The applicant, Metalcraft Projects Limited, argued that demolition would allow redevelopment of an "underutilised" site and create jobs. They stated the pub closed due to "difficult trading conditions," and that two other pubs (The Denton and Fox & Hounds) remain nearby. They claimed the coffee shop would serve as a "meeting place for friends, families and local community groups," replacing one community facility with another.
Planners' Assessment
City planners acknowledged the loss of a "valued community facility" but noted insufficient evidence that the pub was not commercially viable. However, they agreed enough pubs are within walking distance. The council's transport and flood management departments both objected, alongside concerns about air pollution. Planners described the design as "incoherent and disjointed."
Conclusion
Planners concluded: "It is acknowledged that there are benefits to the scheme, comprising a level of economic investment and some additional soft landscaping. However, it is considered that the harm to the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area, the impact on ecology, highways, noise, air quality and surface water management and flood risk would outweigh these benefits, as such the development is recommended for refusal."
