'Eyesore' fence plan refused for South Shields car sales site

A planning application was lodged for a 2.4-metre high steel fence and access gates at a site off Robinson Street in the town.

A design and access statement said the site had been vacant for some time, as it was “not possible to secure the vehicles due to the low fence that was originally constructed.”

Applicants said the new fence would prevent public access other than to park on site to view vehicles, or to leave or collect a vehicle.

During consultation, a letter of objection was received from a resident of neighbouring Westoe Road, who raised concerns about the impact on the area.

A statement from the resident reads: “The street is a semi-residential area with many historical buildings, which others are making efforts to preserve.

“We believe this will be an eyesore, this is one of the main routes into the town centre and will give a poor industrial look to a seaside town on a shopping and residential street.”

South Tyneside Council’s planning department later refused the plans on similar grounds on January 25, stating the fence would “not convey sensitive consideration to the area in which it would form a part.”

A decision notice also noted the fence’s “robust industrial appearance, height and prominence” as a reason for refusal.

A statement reads: “The site’s current use is as a car sales area, and the agent has stated the site cannot currently operate primarily as a result of security issues at the site.

“Given the site’s location, most of the surrounding buildings do not themselves have any boundary treatments, and are instead positioned adjacent to the footpath and public highway.

“Therefore, there are no examples of similar boundary treatments within the vicinity of the site. As such it is considered the style of fencing is not designed to convey sensitive consideration of its surroundings and the development is considered unacceptable.”

According to planning documents, a suggestion was made for the fencing style to be amended to a “more sympathetic meldwesh appearance” – however this was rejected by the applicant’s agent on security grounds.

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