Homes near completion on site of former landmark pub

The first homes are nearing completion at a new development on the site of a well-known coastal pub.

Whitburn Lodge had become an eyesore on the coast road in Whitburn after being majorly damaged by fire since it closed as pub in 2012 and was demolished in 2025.

Earlier this year, after Houghton-based Lovell acquired the site, work began on the construction of 32 new homes on the land in South Tyneside.

Now, the first of the homes are nearing completion at the new development, which is named Laurel Gate.

The national partnership housing specialist is building 29 homes for private sale at Laurel Gate off Mill Lane, including two with the First Homes scheme, and three at a discount to market value.

There are also three affordable homes available through affordable rent.

Twelve houses have been sold to date, including the three discounted homes which have been sold for 70 per cent of their market value to eligible local buyers. The first residents are due to move into their new homes in December.

Rebecca Darby, Head of Sales for Lovell in the North East, said: “There is an urgent need for new housing in South Tyneside and we are pleased to be helping to meet this need at our Laurel Gate development in Whitburn.

“A quarter of the homes here are affordable, to enable local people to stay living in their local community, while the development will also transform this previously derelict brownfield site into an attractive new gateway for Whitburn.

“We are also providing an area of green space within the development, including a sustainable urban drainage system, to provide new wildlife habitats and encourage biodiversity on a site which is just a short walk from beautiful Whitburn Beach.”

There’s a selection of new two, three and four-bedroom houses currently available to reserve at Laurel Gate.

The two-bedroom Fairhaven design is still available under the First Homes scheme from £200,896, which is 70 per cent of its market value.

To qualify, purchasers must be first-time buyers with a combined annual income not exceeding £80,000. They must use a mortgage or home purchase plan to fund at least 50 per cent of the purchase price and the home must be their sole or primary residence.

Rebecca said: “Affordable schemes are an important way in which we can help those who would otherwise not be able to buy a home which meets their needs.

“The mix of homes here ensures that Laurel Gate will be a valuable addition to the existing housing available in Whitburn.”