‘Disappointing’ - Politicians’ concerns as South Tyneside Council is stripped of major planning authority
Local politicians have expressed concerns after South Tyneside Council is hit with a designation notice.
Concerns have been raised after South Tyneside Council was stripped of its authority to determine major planning applications.
On Monday (June 15), the council was one of nine across the country to be hit with a designation notice placing it under special measures in regards to planning.
It means all applications for major developments may now go straight to the Government Planning Inspectorate for a decision if the applicant wishes - instead of being decided by South Tyneside Council.
In making the decision, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government "considered data for the two year period ending on 31 March 2025 and subsequent appeals decisions to 31 December 2025", which was overseen by the previous Labour administration.
‘Local people expect planning decisions to be made locally’
The borough’s Green Party, who are the official opposition at South Tyneside Council, have raised concerns that the local authority can now be bypassed for any major developments in the borough.
Cllr Abbey Muquith, of the Cleadon and East Boldon ward, said: "Local people expect planning decisions to be made locally wherever possible.
“The designation of South Tyneside Council means that major developments can increasingly be decided by inspectors rather than councillors who understand the communities affected.
“That should concern anyone who believes local voices deserve to be heard."
The Greens have also stated that recent appeal decisions have demonstrated the growing conflict between national housing targets and legitimate local concerns about infrastructure and environmental capacity.
‘Hugely disappointing’
Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, echoed the concerns and highlighted the handling of proposals to build 1,200 homes on the Fellgate Greenbelt by the previous administration as an example of why the designation has been issued.
She commented: “It is hugely disappointing that due to failings by South Tyneside Council, the Government has now issued a Designation Notice, meaning new major development proposals will likely go directly through the Government's Planning Inspectorate, instead of being decided locally.
“As we know the largest potential development in my constituency, in Fellgate, was handled extremely badly with regulatory and consultation failures.
“This and other failures has now meant the Government has had to step in to ensure proposals are handled correctly.
“I and others raised that this would happen previously in an attempt to get the Council to conduct themselves properly.”
Training programme underway
Cllr Paul Mackings, Leader of South Tyneside Council, has said the local authority "acknowledges the Government’s decision" and they are "now focused on next steps and the development of our action plan".
He added: "We take this matter seriously, recognising the importance of strong and consistent planning decisions in supporting new homes, jobs and investment.
"We have already started a training programme for members of the planning committee and will continue to ensure this continues to support the new committee not only in the determination of planning applications but to appreciate the requirements of the new national framework.
"This supports a refreshed approach towards economic growth and housing supply for our residents and businesses."
This designation will remain in force until revoked by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.