The plans for the 32 hectare site, which also include a 465 square metre commercial development, had been refused by North Tyneside Council in April last year. The Council's reasons for refusal included concern over the increased traffic the development would create, its impact on biodiversity and the loss of land, which had been safeguarded in local policy.
Pickles said in his decision letter (146-page / 961KB PDF) that he agreed with an inspector's report that the development would be contrary to local plan policy because it had been designated as safeguarded land, which was required to be maintained in its open state.
However, he said he also agreed with the inspector's conclusion that the fact that the relevant plan was now six years beyond its end date was an argument in favour of allowing the development to go ahead.
Pickles noted that the Council had an "acknowledged, although not substantial" shortfall in its five year supply of deliverable housing sites, as required by the National Planning Policy Framework. He said that the scheme's homes would "create a stimulus to the economy and address an immediate housing need".
"There would be significant economic and financial benefits to the area, including assisting in housing delivery within the Borough and a likely positive impact for employment," he said.
Pickles said that, before reaching a final decision, the developer and the Council would need to agree a compensation scheme to overcome the "residual adverse impact on biodiversity" that would arise from the development.
He said he would give the parties four weeks to enter an agreement after which he said he intends to "proceed to a final decision as soon as possible", with a decision to be issued on or before 26 June.
