‘Inappropriate location’ - Council rejects retrospective parcel locker plans in Jarrow
South Tyneside Council has rejected retrospective plans for a parcel locker in Jarrow.
Plans for a parcel locker have been thrown out by South Tyneside Council over fears it could encourage unlawful parking and put residents at risk.
The council’s planning department has refused plans for a parcel locker at the end of a terrace of shops at the junction of Kent Street and Bede Burn Road in Jarrow.
The plans, from parcel locker and shop service InPost, were retrospective as the locker had already been installed.
Documents said the applicant was asked to amend the application to include a second parcel locker at the same site, however the applicant asked for the application to relate to the InPost locker only.
Supporting documents from InPost said the automated lockers enable residents to send, collect, and return parcels from a network of retailers and aim to “work within the existing street-space to maximise social and environmental benefits.”
Objections to the plans
During a consultation on the plans, there were three public objections raising concerns about the “inappropriate location” of the parcel locker and potential highway, traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.
Concerns included the locker being placed at a site near a one-way road system, adjacent to a three-way junction and surrounded by double yellow lines.
The public objectors argued that the installation “encourages short term stopping in a location where no lawful parking or waiting is available” and argued the plans would “exacerbate existing safety issues.”
The council’s highways department also objected to the plans over “the unacceptable highway safety risks and operational issue for the bus route.”
When refusing the application, South Tyneside Council’s planning department said the siting of the parcel locker within a “constrained one-way highway network with limited parking provision” would create issues.
Officers argued that the plan was “inappropriate” as it “fails to provide safe and suitable access arrangements” and “adversely affects highway safety, traffic flow and visibility, particularly given the site’s corner location, leading to potential conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and other highway users.”
Right to appeal
South Tyneside Council can take enforcement action over the refused retrospective plan for the InPost parcel locker.
However, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision by lodging an appeal with the national Planning Inspectorate.
For more information, visit the council’s planning portal website and search for reference 250749.
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