Dog grooming business to open in former Hebburn greengrocers

In September 2020, South Tyneside Council registered a planning application for 100 Finchale Road in the town.

The site was formerly used as a greengrocers but is currently closed.

According to planning documents, the lease is set to lapse next year and the leaseholder does not propose to reopen.

New plans aim to revive the site as a dog grooming business employing two full-time members of staff.

Planners vetted the application and have relevant bodies, as well as the public, the chance to have their say on the proposals before a decision was made.

During the consultation, one objection was received from a Howe Street resident stating “there are enough dog grooming salons in Hebburn.”

However, planners stated that loss of trade or increased competition between businesses was not a ‘material planning consideration’ that could be taken into account.

South Tyneside Council’s planning authority approved the change of use on Monday, October 12.

A decision report confirms the site will be let by the council to the applicant, with no concerns raised about highway safety.

It goes on to say: “The development would bring a vacant unit back into use; providing employment and improving the vitality of the local neighbourhood shopping centre where it is located.

“There is a mixture of businesses along the shopping parade including a convenience store, butchers, post office and barbers.

“Taking into account the existing retail and business premises along the row of properties and the established commercial character of this section of Finchale Road, it is judged that the proposal would represent an appropriate form of sustainable development in this location.

“It would provide a local service to serve a small catchment, which this shopping parade should seek to do.”

A council condition was also attached to limit the business use to daytime hours to reduce noise and disturbance to the residents of upper floor flats.

Approved opening hours would be 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday.

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