Newcastle New Build Residents Defend 40-Foot Wall After Social Media Criticism

A new build development in Newcastle has drawn attention after images of its distinctive 40-foot wall sparked discussion online, but residents have strongly defended their homes and the imposing structure. The development on Chester Pike, built by Barratt Homes, features properties valued at approximately £180,000, with the wall serving as both a supporting structure and privacy barrier.

The conversation began when social media user Ben Holmes shared photographs of the development on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as an "absolute gem" and questioning how "oppressive" the rear gardens might be. However, interviews with homeowners reveal a markedly different perspective, with many expressing bewilderment at the online attention.

Just scrolling through some old photos and came across this absolute gem of @PlanningShit. It's in Newcastle BTW. Can't imagine how oppressive the rear gardens are to love with, oh and the shed was up on the top tier, handy... pic.twitter.com/cefaS3FSAS

— Ben Holmes (@Benchimin) December 4, 2024

Robert Richardson, a 62-year-old HGV driver who purchased his property last year, was surprised by the interest: "This is the first I've heard of it. I am absolutely baffled as to why anyone would be interested. The wall is there to support the houses above, as they are on two levels. It's doing its job. I have no idea what the problem is."

IT worker Saima Younis, 42, shared similar sentiments: "I quite like the wall. If it wasn't there, the houses above would fall down. As far as I know, no-one here has an issue with it. I am a busy mum, I never think about the wall. Anyone who does clearly has too much time on their hands. I like living here, it's quiet and peaceful."

While some online commenters have made comparisons to the Titanic, residents remain unfazed. Thomas, who preferred to be known only by his first name, said: "It's a supporting wall. It's nothing to moan about. There's certainly more important things to worry about than that. But I have heard people say it's like living next to the Titanic."

The wall's privacy benefits have been highlighted by several residents. Caroline Richardson, a secretary in her 50s, explained: "The wall actually gives us a lot of privacy. We'd rather have it at the back than another garden. It was there when we bought the house. We wouldn't have gone ahead if we hadn't have liked the layout. Planning permission has obviously been granted for it, what's the problem?"

Another resident, known only as Alex, expressed similar confusion about the criticism: "That wall is there now, what can you do? Are people really complaining about that? It doesn't bother me, like. That's a bit mad. It's never crossed my mind that there's anything wrong with the wall. It's better for privacy, obviously."

One innovative suggestion came from a resident who wished to remain anonymous: "I don't have an issue with the wall, I think it's all right. We were aware of it when we moved in. It's not flat here, so it was built with the landscape in mind. I filled in a survey for Barratt Homes and I suggested putting seeds in it, and making it into a living wall, with greenery. It would be more breathable, become less of a structure and more of a focal point. There is a sustainable aspect to these houses, as they are just powered by electricity, there is no gas. A living wall would fit in well with that concept."

The development serves as an example of how features that might appear unusual to outside observers can be both necessary and beneficial for residents, with the wall providing essential structural support while offering additional privacy benefits that many homeowners appreciate.