Gateshead Council’s planning and development committee has given the go ahead for hundreds of new homes in Kibblesworth as per local authority officers’ recommendations. The council’s report into the application found “a clear need” for housing in the area on account of local need to manage population growth and help close Gateshead’s shortfall in housing. The scheme requires the demolition of West Farm to make way for 29 two-bedroom, 103 three-bedroom, 118 four-bedroom, and 20 five-bedroom homes. Local and objector Julie McAlpine told councillors that residents were concerned about the impact the number of homes would have on local resources. The plans were approved by the committee by a majority vote of 12 to two abstentions.