Plans approved to demolish part of Siemens site in Hebburn

Back in October 2021, an application was lodged with South Tyneside Council’s planning department for the site off North Farm Road.

This aimed to determine if prior approval was needed to demolish a large building.

The Siemens site is currently split into two parts, with shop eight to the west and shop seven to the east.

According to the planning application from Siemens, the shop seven building is “now surplus to requirements with all facilities relocated into shop eight.”

After assessing the proposals, South Tyneside Council’s planning department granted prior approval for the demolition on November 11.

Some concerns were raised by a neighbour over issues including potential disruption to the adjacent housing estate, dust from demolition, increased traffic movements and residents not being notified.

In a decision report, South Tyneside Council planners clarified that “neighbours are not required to be consulted” as part of the prior approval demolition application process.

The report added that the “proposed method of demolition and site restoration would be acceptable” and would “leave the site in a tidy condition.”

A demolition method statement from the applicant sets out measures to reduce the impact of works on neighbours at all times, such as the residential estate to the north, allotments and the adjacent shop eight premises.

Measures range from safe controlled access to and from the active demolition zones at all times, to site security and an area of the site being designated for the cleaning of vehicles.

Neighbours who may be affected by noisy operations, such as pile driving, will also be given 48 hours notice to make “alternative arrangements during this noisy period.”

The demolition method statement goes on to say: “The principal contractor is to take into consideration the close proximity of the adjacent residential development and continuing on site activities with regards to noise and vibration that will inevitably arise from demolition works.

“In addition, noise, vibration and dust levels are to be assessed arising from the demolition activities and implement any necessary remedial measures to reduce this when necessary to avoid constant nuisance to local residents and occupants of shop eight.”

Following approval, demolition works are expected to take place early next year.

For more information on the demolition plan, visit South Tyneside Council’s online planning portal and search reference: ST/1008/21/DEM

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