Plan to tackle parking at South Tyneside business park gets the green light

In March, plans were lodged to redevelop part of Monkton Business Park South at Koppers Way near Hebburn town centre.

This included altering the site to make way for an extra 43 spaces and associated planting.

A design statement, provided with the application, said the plans aimed to tackle “overspill” at the site due to “insufficient” parking facilities.

The statement went on to say: “For example, during peak hours cars are forced to park along the main road, on the pavements, and the areas associated with hard and soft landscaping.

“This is causing an array of issues such as damage to the existing landscaping, and a cause for potential hazards and accidents.

“The problems relating to parking have impacted negatively on the current tenants who will not renew their leases and may move from the business park if the situation is not improved.”

The parking plans also aimed to support a scheme to convert the ground floor of Merchant House into a hub for small to medium sized businesses.

Following consultation, South Tyneside Council’s planning authority approved the plans on Friday, June 19.

No objections were received from the council’s traffic and road safety team, landscaping officer, or countryside officer.

A planning report adds: “The proposed landscaping and areas chosen to provide further car parking spaces should ensure that they will not be of detriment to the character of the business park.

“They will also help alleviate current issues with occupiers and visitors parking on pavements and gravelled areas.

“The Business Investment Team believes the additional spaces would go a long way to improve the attractiveness of the park for existing and potential occupiers and strongly support this application.”

The plans will increase the number of car parking spaces at Monkton Business Park South from 307 up to 350.

Under planning conditions, works must be brought forward within the next three years.

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