Plea for housing to meet local needs amid 465-home development in East Boldon

It comes after the recent conclusion of the second stage of public hearings to consider the “soundness‟ of the proposed South Tyneside Council local plan.

The document aims to provide a framework for where new homes, businesses, shops and leisure amenities will be built in the borough up until 2040.

It also aims to ensure the right infrastructure, such as roads, health facilities and schools, is in place to support growth.

The foreword to the draft plan states it “will deliver new development and positive growth that meets the needs and aspirations of South Tyneside” and which “will strengthen communities with new infrastructure”.

The East Boldon Neighbourhood Forum has actively participated in both stages of the local plan examination, with the first stage of public hearings taking place in July 2025 and the second in January 2026.

Proposed future housing sites include 263 homes on land at North Farm in East Boldon, along with 202 properties in Cleadon Lane.

The forum has consistently opposed development on Green Belt land and has advocated for housing that is “proportionate and genuinely reflects the needs of the local community”.

Following the conclusion of the second stage of hearings, chiefs from the East Boldon forum have now spoken out to reiterate their concerns over potential development and to highlight the priorities of residents.

Dave Hutchinson, forum secretary, said: “It’s essential that the future residents in the projected 465 new homes in East Boldon should have sufficient local services in place to cater for their wide range of needs.

“There is a strong desire for affordable housing, enabling younger generations to remain in the village.

“Additionally, the forum has emphasised the importance of homes suitable for older people, allowing for downsizing which will in turn free up larger properties for young families.”

Concerns have been expressed by the group over the lack of specific provision for appropriate social and community infrastructure to support proposed new development, such as school places and health and social services.

Other worries are that the current draft local plan lacks an effective policy to prevent the construction of homes below minimum space standards.

Mr Hutchinson added: “The forum believes this could lead to substandard living conditions, all of which fail to meet the needs of residents.”

He also referred to the “inevitable” increase in road traffic from proposed new houses in East Boldon and the immediate vicinity, which he fears will exacerbate the delays at local junctions and crossings.

A further recommendation from the forum is the introduction of a more effective policy to ensure trees are planted in the streets of new developments.

During the public examination representatives for the forum argued trees not only enhance neighbourhoods aesthetically but also improve climate resilience and support wildlife connectivity.

The foreword from council chiefs in the draft plan states it seeks to deliver growth “in a sustainable and inclusive way, protecting those assets which give South Tyneside its identity and special character, whilst enhancing our natural environment and recognising the current and future pressures of a changing climate”.

One of the sessions as part of the stage one hearings in July 2025 focused on the section of land at North Farm in East Boldon, which is earmarked for an indicative 263 properties.

Council officers, speaking previously at that hearing, argued the site is “well related to services and facilities in East Boldon.”

They added infrastructure plans identify “both existing travel and a proposed active travel route close to the site” and that “social infrastructure implications” from the development could be dealt with through management plans and developer contributions.

Elsewhere local authority representatives at the hearing said the land was assessed in the South Tyneside Green Belt Study, with the site being rated “low” harm against three out of four criteria and “moderate” harm against the fourth – while compensatory measures could also be carried out as part of the proposals.

The outcome of East Boldon Neighbourhood Forum’s recommendations and whether the inspector will require changes to the local plan will not be known until spring.

Mr Hutchinson added: “The forum have done our utmost to speak up for the policies in the East Boldon Neighbourhood Plan.

“The inspector has acknowledged our efforts, and we continue to work hard for our community.”

Inspector David Spencer, appointed by the Secretary of State, speaking at the final session of the hearings, said he wished to put “on record the quality of the submissions to the examination from East Boldon”.

He added: “They were clear, considered, concise and constructive in what they were seeking.

“I may not necessarily agree with everything they are looking for but I thought it is exactly what examiners look for in terms of how people should conduct themselves.

“Again, they have served their community proud.”

For more information on the local plan process residents can visit https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/24174/Local-Plan-examination.