Housing plans approved for orchard site next to landmark South Shields pub

Proposals were lodged to develop a parcel of land between The Simonside Arms building and 107 Newcastle Road.

This included a bid to construct two four-bedroom detached houses with other matters reserved until a later date.

According to planning documents, the site is currently used as an orchard.

Planners considered the application and canvassed the opinions of relevant agencies, and the public was given the chance to comment on the application.

Following consultation, the outline plans were approved by South Tyneside Council’s planning authority on Monday, September 14.

In their decision report, planners said the principle of housing on the site was acceptable, even though it has not been previously used for development.

The report reads: “Although the proposal would not be situated on previously developed land, it is considered that it would be in a sustainable location within the built up area of South Shields.

“It would contribute to providing additional housing within the urban boundary and additional range and choice of housing.”

No objections to the outline plans were raised by the council’s highways experts.

Access to the site would also be taken from an “offshoot” route from Newcastle Road which serves the bar and restaurant.

The neighbouring pub and eatery has undergone some transformations in recent years, and is currently branded Prima bar and restaurant at The Simonside Arms.

A Design and Access Statement submitted with the application states the housing could be brought forward without having any “adverse impact on mature trees” in the grounds of the adjoining venue.

It adds: “The detailed design would include provision for rainwater harvesting, and energy efficiency to ensure that modern requirements for sustainability are met.”

Further details around the scale, appearance, layout and landscaping of the housing site will be decided at a later date during the ‘reserved matters’ stage.

Under planning conditions, a full application for the housing scheme must be submitted within the next three years.

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