Plan to bulldoze flats approved

The "Dunston Rocket" opened to residents in 1973.

Plans to bulldoze an iconic block of flats on Tyneside have been approved by council bosses.

The 29-storey Derwent Tower in Gateshead - nicknamed the Dunston Rocket because of its spaceship shape - opened to residents in 1973.

But Gateshead Council says many of the 169 flats suffer from damp and are unhealthy and expensive to maintain.

The now-empty tower and 116 adjoining maisonettes will be demolished and replaced by new homes and shops.

The authority said a lengthy public consultation had backed plans for the demolition.

A council spokesman said: "Proposals for the re-developed area include affordable housing, a supermarket, a number of shop units, and possibly a doctor's surgery.

"We will now work closely with the local community to take the proposals forward."

The plans are expected to take about six years to complete, subject to funding being available.