Apartments plan approved for landmark South Shields building

In 2019, proposals were lodged to convert the upper levels of South Tyneside House on Westoe Road.

This includes eight apartments across the second and third floors, each offering two bedrooms.

The development will also provide eight resident parking spaces, four visitor spaces and a new entrance at the rear.

During consultation on the plans, Romilly Street residents and Westoe Baptist Church lodged objections with the council.

Concerns included parking, increased traffic and disruption during construction works.

Despite this, South Tyneside Council’s planning authority concluded that the plans were acceptable.

A decision notice was published on Monday, January 20.

A planning report reads: “The proposal would deliver housing on previously developed land of a size and type that would meet identified need in the borough.

“The site is within a sustainable location adjacent to South Shields Town Centre and within walking distance of local shops and services.”

It adds: “Subject to the recommended conditions, it is concluded that the level of car parking, cycle parking and refuse provision proposed in connection with this change of use would be acceptable and would not give rise to significant adverse highways and transportation impacts.”

Plans to convert the entire building into 32 self-contained apartments were previously knocked back in 2017.

At the time, council planners said the proposal would have a major impact on the local road network in the area.

New plans will not affect office space on the ground and first floor levels of the building.

A construction management plan will also be put in place to reduce disruption for residents during the works.

Under planning conditions, the change of use must take place within the next three years.

South Tyneside House has sat largely empty for some years, despite efforts to attract a mix of office-based business and retail units.

Large adverts and shopfront murals to illustrate the possibilities of the site for retail use has proved fruitless, however.

The building went up for sale in 2016 with a guide price of £595,000.