Almost 900 residents sign petition opposing proposals to build 205 new homes in Whitburn

Campaigners are rallying to fight developers over a scheme planned for a swathe of farmland to the side and rear of Marsden Primary School.

They say the proposal would obliterate the area’s rural feel and ward councillors have condemned it, with one describing the move as “horrendous”.

An opposition petition has been launched after the plan came to light when details were posted through letterboxes on behalf of housebuilder Story Homes.

The Carlisle-based firm wants to transform the land – from the school’s south-east boundary to Kitchener Road in the north, towards Marsden Quarry – and up to Lizard Lane.

The firm says the planned properties will range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bed family homes – with 82 said to be affordable – and a new road junction would be built on the A183 Mill Lane.

Leaflets, calling for the views of residents landed on doormats on Wednesday and confirm Story Homes intends to progress with a planning application.

Campaigners say the consultation – which is not an official planning guidance document – ends on Sunday, December 21 – a timespan they insist is wholly inappropriate to garner valid opinion.

Whitburn resident Steve Lavelle, 67, whose online protest petition has gathered almost 900 signatures, said: “This will scheme will destroy the last bit of open land which separates Whitburn from South Shields.

“The petition may not stop the application from going ahead but it may give those behind it food for thought. I want to stop this awful urban sprawl.

He added: “It’s a lovely bit of land and it should be kept as it is. The children at the school will have their lovely green space taken away.”

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In a joint statement, Whitburn and Marsden ward councillors, council leader Tracey Dixon, Jane Carter and Joyce Welsh, said: “All three Labour councillors are opposed to this proposed development and will be actively campaigning against it.”

“We would urge all residents of Whitburn to respond to the consultation.”

Cllr Welsh said: “It’s an horrendous proposal. I was shocked when I heard about it. Some of the houses will totally overlook the school and the children will no longer have this beautiful field.”

Dorothy McKay, 64, whose semi-detached home in Wheatall Drive backs onto the fields, said she would consider selling up if the plan is approved.

She added: “I couldn’t stand it, my home is my haven, and I love the wildlife around here.

“Two hundred and five houses would have a catastrophic effect on the wildlife.

"We don’t need them here and we don’t want them here. I would sell up.”

In a statement, the housebuilder said: “Story Homes is preparing to submit a planning application for residential development on land off Mill Lane, Whitburn.

“The application aligns with the Government’s commitment to boost housing supply, including developing sustainable Grey Belt sites and increasing affordable housing provision.

“Our goal is to create a development that not only provides a variety of homes for people at all stages of life, but also enhances the local environment, with generous green spaces, an improved play area, and a sustainable drainage strategy.”

It added “We look forward to working closely with South Tyneside Council and the local community as the application progresses.”

A South Tyneside council spokesperson said an application has not yet been submitted.

They said: “While we have not yet received a planning application for this site, we are aware of the developer’s intention to submit one.”

You can view the petition at: https://www.change.org/p/protect-and-preserve-the-green-fields-around-marsden-primary-school-whitburn.