ROYAL GEORGE DEMOLISHED

The Royal George, a local landmark and a much valued part of the community life in Brunton Park and North Gosforth for nearly 50 years, has now been demolished by its owner.

Planning permission was not required to do this so could not be prevented by the city council.

Very many residents have objected to a second application to build a care home on the site which would include the demolition of 14 Princes Road.

A vote at a packed public meeting of over 250 people in late January showed only two in favour of the proposed change of use.

Councillor John Shipley says: "We are opposing the new application because the pub was a popular facility and part of the local centre.

"We also have concerns about the impact on drainage when we know existing systems for surface water drainage can flood local houses.

"Local residents have raised the issue of the scale of the proposals and extra traffic congestion."

A decision on the application is likely in March.