Community 'devastated' and 'ignored' after controversial plans approved for Jarrow's historic Boldon Lad pub

Residents who campaigned to save a Jarrow pub say their views have been ‘ignored’ as controversial plans are approved on appeal.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Proposals to transform the Boldon Lad pub, off Hedworth Lane, into a convenience store were given the go-ahead by a planning inspector – despite huge opposition from local residents.

The bid was initially rejected by South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee in 2019, following a 240-signature petition in opposition and a recommendation from planning officers to refuse the plans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Residents have repeatedly expressed concern about the impact that the proposed convenience store would have on the area, with increased traffic, noise pollution and the affect on smaller businesses all cited.

Plans have been approved to transform the Boldon Lad pub off Hedworth Lane, Jarrow, into a convenience store.Plans have been approved to transform the Boldon Lad pub off Hedworth Lane, Jarrow, into a convenience store.
Plans have been approved to transform the Boldon Lad pub off Hedworth Lane, Jarrow, into a convenience store.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic a planned public hearing was suspended and on Tuesday, June 23 the appeal was approved.

But those in the community are ‘furious’ that they have not had the chance to have their views heard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One resident of Hedworth Lane commented: “There has been a serious lack of thought for the residents, it’s going to have a negative impact on everyone in the area.

“It has been an extremely worrying and stressful 18 months whilst this has been ongoing. At the very least the inspector could have been given the chance to hear our views – we were promised the opportunity to have our say.”

Read More
Plans to turn Boldon Lad pub into frozen food store face hundreds of objections

The Boldon Lad was once a thriving part of the community, with the first masses for St Joseph’s Catholic Church held there before the church was built.

Labour councillors Geraldine Kilgour and Alan Smith have supported the calls to save the pub from the outset, with Coun Kilgour speaking at the committee where the application was refused.

She described the latest decision as ‘utterly devastating’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our residents spoke eloquently and passionately at the committee and deserve better. The impact upon them is massive by way of noise, traffic and outlook to name a few,” she commented.

“The Boldon Lad is much loved and I’m appalled that the developer has sought to ignore our community. I believe that the competition of a substantial convenience food provider planned is likely to have a detrimental affect on our existing providers.

“The decision appeal has been aggressive and in part utterly disrespectful of our decision.”

Coun Kilgour noted that the inspector has imposed conditions and makes clear that the decision taken at the Planning Committee was not unreasonable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added: “Covid 19 has robbed us of much and also of the chance in taking part in a public hearing.

“It is utterly devastating. Commerce above community has been pursued here.”

In a written decision notice, planning inspector S Hunt said: “The proposals would provide social and economic benefits including employment opportunities and would represent an appropriate use of previously developed land in an accessible location.

“The proposal is in accordance with the framework as a whole and there are no material considerations which lead me to conclude otherwise.”

Punch Partnerships have been approached for comment.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Related topics: