Archived press release

New tyne crossing: english heritage sells out

12 August 2002

English Heritage, the Government agency responsible for conserving and enhancing the historic environment, has sold out on historic Jarrow, claims Friends of the Earth. The agency has refused to intervene to stop the demolition of the Grade II listed ‘Gaslight’ pub [1], which lies on the route of the proposed New Tyne Crossing [2]. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will announce this Friday (August 16th) whether a public inquiry will be held into the NTC proposal.

Government planning guidance states that demolition of a listed building will only be allowed “very exceptionally … where the proposed works would bring substantial benefits for the community” [3]. Friends of the Earth believes that the developers have failed to make this case. The Environmental Statement for the NTC project states that traffic levels in some residential areas around the NTC will rise by 60% and that it is not possible to say how many jobs the NTC will create.

In a letter sent to Friends of the Earth, English Heritage states that the “proposed new tunnel is acknowledged by many to be of such strategic importance to the transport infrastructure of Tyneside and likely to be a major contributor to the wider regeneration of the area”.

South Tyneside Friends of the Earth spokesman Bryan Atkinson said
“English Heritage has sold out. The Gaslight pub is the last surviving remnant of the thriving19th century riverside settlement in Jarrow. They should be doing what they can to protect it, not sitting on their hands while it falls into disrepair and is then demolished.”

Notes

1. The Gaslight was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and is the last surviving remnant of the thriving 19th century riverside settlement of Jarrow.
2. The New Tyne Crossing (NTC) is a second road tunnel under the River Tyne, running between East Howden on the north bank and Jarrow on the south bank. The NTC is being promoted by the Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority.
3. Planning Policy Guidance note 15 ‘Planning and the Historic Environment’ para 3.19
   

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