Planning chiefs shut down dropped kerb plans over fears for road safety and ‘unjustified’ loss of maple tree

Earlier this year, South Tyneside Council’s planning department received an application for the property in Nevinson Avenue.

Site plans identified the project as an “adult social care adaptation” to remove disabled parking bays and a tree, as well as moving a street light, road gullies and a manhole.

But after considering the scheme, planning chiefs refused permission, citing concerns over road safety and proposals to chop down a healthy tree.

A refusal statement claimed approval would leave “insufficient space to provide a turning area” and force drivers to reverse on to the road instead.

It added: “This manoeuvre would take place whilst the driver was trying to observe and avoid other users of the highway, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and general motor vehicles travelling along the highway in both directions.

“Additionally, vehicles parked in the Nevinson Avenue laybys would also restrict the visibility of emerging traffic from the proposal.”

The second reason for refusal included the “unjustified” loss of a maple tree which was required to bring forward the dropped kerb vehicle crossing.

A refusal statement from planners explains: “The maple tree is considered to be in a good state of health and the felling of the tree is therefore considered unjustified.

“The tree’s loss would have a detrimental impact upon the visual amenity and the character of the area”.

More information about the planning application and council decision can be found on South Tyneside Council’s online planning portal.