Housing developer withdraws plans to build 260 new properties on the South Tyneside College site
Green campaigners are claiming victory in a battle with developers after the shock revision of a controversial South Tyneside housing plan.
They claim their pressure has paid off after Avant Homes withdrew its bid to build 260 properties on the site of the soon-to-be-demolished South Tyneside College.
Fellow housebuilder Miller Homes has confirmed it has now purchased the nine hectares of land at St George’s Avenue, South Shields, and plans to build 198 properties – saving scores of mature trees on the site from the chainsaw.
Opponents of the Avant plan had feared 143 mature trees would be felled to make way for homes and believed many will be saved – but they also have plans to push for more to be reprieved.
South Tyneside Tree Action Group said an unknown number would still be lost and that it hoped to engage with Miller on the issue.
Spokesman Colin Porter, 66, said Miller’s proposal was an improved environmental option, adding: “When we found out about this change, we were absolutely delighted.
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“We don’t yet know how many trees will be lost, but as far as we can tell, five at the entrance will be saved and hopefully there will be many others.
“Miller's plans clearly show several trees missing in Avant’s plan being included in its own, and it also plans over 60 fewer properties.”
He added: “While we do not want to lose any trees, Miller’s scheme is a lot better and much more positive.
“None of this happened by accident and we believe this was a result of sustained pressure, public support, media coverage and lots of other people putting in hard work.”
South Tyneside College is moving to a new campus a mile away in South Shields town centre, which is expected to open next year.
Ryan Lincoln, regional managing director of Miller Homes North East, said its plans aim to enhance those already approved and create more green spaces.
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He also said Miller is inviting feedback and South Tyneside Council would be carrying out a statutory consultation process into its application.
He added: “We work hard at Miller Homes to ensure that our developments respond to the community’s needs.
“There is always a focus on the environment, with a commitment to building sustainable neighbourhoods, where we retain greenery and open space that not only ensures wildlife is preserved but that creates more attractive communities.”
He added: “We’re pleased to have submitted this planning variation, which we hope will allow us to move forward with the scheme.”
Biddick and All Saints Green party councillor Rachael Taylor, who is part of the Save Our College Trees group, described the change as “really positive”.
She added: “This is a responsible decision by Miller Homes to reduce housing and to save mature trees.
“It’s a really clear message and an example that a developer can listen to the community and take its environmental responsibilities seriously.”
Kate Owens-Palmer, a Westoe ward councillor with South Tyneside Alliance Group, also gave Miller's plans a cautious welcome.
She said: “It’s really important that any development is done sensibly and appropriately and that these are houses that people in South Tyneside can afford to live in.”
South Tyneside Council has said that, as the independent planning authority, it did not wish to comment.
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