Plans for housing development on site of former Hebburn swimming pool and civic centre set for approval

Plans were lodged with South Tyneside Council for vacant land off Campbell Park Road and Victoria Road East in 2019.

The site formerly housed the town’s civic centre, swimming baths, resource centre and children and family court advisory support service.

With the buildings now demolished, housing firm Keepmoat Homes Ltd has been pushing forward with redevelopment plans.

If approved, the new estate would offer 19 two-bedroom, 64 three-bedroom and eight four-bedroom homes, alongside private and visitor parking on site.

The majority of homes would be offered for private sale, with nine available for affordable rent, shared ownership or rent to buy.

South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee are expected to rule on the plans next week.

A report, prepared for councillors, recommends the scheme for approval.

It reads: “The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of its layout and design, impact on the general character of the area, amenities of the neighbours, highway safety and council objective of delivering sustainable development.

“The potential environmental impacts of the proposal have been considered and are not considered, subject to the conditions suggested, to give rise to material harm.

“An acceptable planning balance has been struck between tree retention and tree loss.”

Since the original planning application, the number of homes have been reduced from 94 to 91.

Although the layout includes the removal of trees, including six covered by a tree preservation order, developers have agreed to replant 70 trees around the site.

Highways improvements include a new vehicle and pedestrian access off Campbell Park Road and a pedestrian access onto Victoria Road East.

Subject to planning approval, Keepmoat Homes Ltd is expected to pay £9,100 to the council to reduce the impact of the development.

The funds, drafted in a section 106 legal agreement, will be used for “strategic transport improvements” to support cycling and walking along Campbell Park Road.

A decision on the housing estate will be made on Monday, February 17.

The meeting starts at 10.30am at South Shields Town Hall and is open to the public.