Appeal lodged over plans to turn historic Boldon Lad pub into frozen food store

The plans submitted for the Boldon Lad pub on Hedworth Lane were rejected by councillors in August after facing hundreds of objections, including a 240-signature petition launched by local residents.

According to papers submitted to council planners, the site’s intended use would be a store selling mainly frozen foods.

The Planning Committee unanimously agreed to reject the plans, which included changing the layout of the car park and building a 2.1m high fence around the rear and sides of the venue.

However, the owners of the Boldon Lad, Punch Partnerships, have lodged an appeal against the decision with the planning inspectorate.

Councillors and residents have again expressed concerns over the impact a retail store would have on the area, including the increase in traffic and noise coming from the site.

One resident, of Holland Park Drive, said: “Another shop would not be viable, we just don’t need anymore retail premises, we need something to regenerate the community not to distract from it.”

The pub, which is around 100-years-old, was once a thriving part of the community, with the first masses for St Joseph’s Catholic Church held there before the church was built.

Councillor for Fellgate and Hedworth, Geraldine Kilgour said: “We see it as a community asset and we need it to work for the community.

“The planning inspectorate will come to whatever decision they make, it’s up to residents now to make any further objections.”

Chair of the planning committee councillor Alan Smith, who represents Fellgate and Hedworth, had to remain neutral until the decision was made.

Now he has commented: “It was a unanimous decision to turn it down, there wasn’t one person who spoke against it, that’s how strongly the community feels.

“We have done everything by the board and I think we’ve got a strong case.

“I’ve lived on this estate 50 years, it’s a lovely estate but if this goes through it will be a nightmare.”

Residents have until January 16 to submit any further objections using reference ST/0192/19/FUL

Punch Partnerships have been approached for comment.