More than 1,200 people sign a petition against plans to build 205 new homes in Whitburn

The Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum (WNF) branded the proposal “inappropriate” and says the loss of the protected farmland is “unacceptable and irreversible”.

It fears Whitburn’s population would rocket if Carlisle-based Story Homes gets the go-ahead – with local services stretched beyond breaking point.

The firm wants to develop land off Mill Lane, Whitburn, which touches two sides of Marsden Primary School – and its agent has sought the views of residents.

The protest petition was launched last week by village resident Steve Lavelle, 67, after the housebuilder contacted householders to explain their proposal, prior to an official planning application.

Mr Lavelle is also vice-chair of WNF, which he says hopes to submit its petition for inclusion on the agenda of South Tyneside Council’s next full meeting in January.

The forum aims to set the wheels in motion for the petition to be officially included in any future consultation around the scheme.

Mr Lavelle said: “This petition process ensures that the council is responsive to the concerns of the local community and that the voices of the people are heard.

“When Story Homes submits their planning application, the Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum will submit a more detailed objection to the local authority.

“Our petition has reached 1,000 signatures and received cross-party support from our elected councillors, members of the Green Party, South Tyneside Alliance Group and the Reform Party.”

In a statement, the WVF, a formally recognised group led by residents and dedicated to shaping the future of the village, said it “strongly objects to the proposed development”.

It warned the scheme does not form part of the South Tyneside Local Plan, which highlights possible housing development, and approval would undermine the “plan-led system”.

And it added: “These objections are matters of principle and location that cannot be addressed through design changes, mitigation measures, conditions, or planning obligations.

“The permanent loss of Green Belt land in this location is unacceptable and irreversible. The site is in an inherently unsustainable location.

“Whitburn has a lack of services, especially health services that are either not present – dentist - or operating beyond capacity - GP.

“The scale of the proposal would increase Whitburn’s population by almost 10%, placing additional pressure on services and infrastructure that are already constrained.

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“These impacts are intrinsic to the site’s location and cannot be mitigated through layout or traffic management measures.”

Story Homes has confirmed it is preparing to submit a planning application to South Tyneside Council.

In a statement, it added: “Our goal is to create a development that not only provides a variety of homes for people at all stages of life, but also enhances the local environment, with generous green spaces, an improved play area, and a sustainable drainage strategy.”

You can view the full petition by visiting: https://www.change.org/p/protect-and-preserve-the-green-fields-around-marsden-primary-school-whitburn.