Community 'devastated' and 'ignored' after controversial plans approved for Jarrow's historic Boldon Lad pub
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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.
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Hide AdResidents 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.
But applicant Punch Partnerships later lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, with a government appointed inspector to rule on the plans.
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.
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Hide AdOne 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.”
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’.
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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.
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Hide AdShe 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.