Plans for housing and apartment development provoke opposition from South Tyneside environmental group
and live on Freeview channel 276
Under the proposals, which were submitted by former racehorse trainer Alan Le Blond and will be considered by the local planning authority, 37 new dwellings would be built on land near Boldon Colliery - including nine apartments.
The scheme is set to see a stretch of land developed just north of Boldon Church of England Primary School, on North Road.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe South Tyneside Environmental Protection (STEP) organisation opposes the project on conservation grounds, citing potential damage to protected wildlife, pollution of the River Don and an increased risk of flooding in the area that may result from the development.
Objectors also point to the site’s bat and water vole habitats, with the latter being a priority species in the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
They have urged the borough council’s planning body to explore the proposed scheme’s possible impacts on flooding in the area, with the project set to see a number of trees felled.
“South Tyneside Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019,” wrote South Shields resident Rachael Milne in an objection letter.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“And [it] aim[s] to be carbon neutral by 2030. This development will not meet those targets.
"The predicted urban edge effect on the surrounding mature trees and River Don cannot be underestimated.”
The letter added that there is “no demand” for three and four-bedroom houses, which the correspondence asserts is “what [this] development will be”.
The Newcastle-based Ethical Partnerhip Ltd financial and planning firm, which is acting as the agent for Mr Le Blond’s application, was approached by The Gazette for comment.