'Tremendous' news as plans approved to replace '1940s' housing in Jarrow under council's own development company

South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee discussed plans for Eskdale Drive on August 27.

The site on the Lakes Estate is part of a pilot project by Centaurea Homes Ltd.

The firm, recently set up by housing bosses, aims to boost the borough’s housing stock and turn a profit – using cash to support other income streams.

This includes identifying sites house builders have shunned and bringing them up to scratch.

In the case of Eskdale Drive, the site will be transformed into 62 homes for private sale.

This includes four two-bedroom, 49 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom houses and allocated spaces for parking.

The Lakes Estate was constructed in the period following the Second World War, circa 1946 and 1964.

The properties on Eskdale Drive were built using prefabricated building methods and were originally built to meet a short-term housing need.

Councillors praised the proposals at South Shields Town Hall meeting this week.

Coun Wilf Flynn said: “I think the planning application is tremendous [compared] to what’s already there.

“It enhances the area and older properties which were built under standards in the 1940s.”

While Coun Geraldine Kilgour said she was reassured that trees would be retained in the area.

Following discussion, the housing estate was approved by a unanimous vote.

However, the final decision rests with planning officers following the completion of a section 106 legal agreement.

Under the deal, the applicant is expected to hand over £17,732 to reduce the potential impacts on nature areas from “increased visitor numbers.”

This includes the Northumbria Coast Special Protection area and/or Durham Coast Special Area of Conservation.

Director of Centaurea Homes Limited, Mark Walsh, welcomed the planning decision.

“We’re delighted that the scheme has received planning permission and are looking forward to seeing it get under way,” he said.

“This will be Centaurea’s first development in an established residential site left vacant by the demolition of outdated, non-traditional homes.

“These high quality, family homes for sale will help meet local need and create sustainable neighbourhoods.”