Public opinion wanted on new £7m South Shields development

Plans for a major redevelopment of a landmark South Shields hotel have been officially submitted, with members of the public invited to have their say.

South Tyneside Council's planning department has received an application for the Little Haven Hotel near Littlehaven Beach.

The planning application is seeking permission for "extensions and alterations" to the hotel to create a new restaurant to replace the existing conservatory-style restaurant, as well as new conference facilities, lounge areas, balconies and more.

Plans also include alterations to the hotel's entrance, the insertion of windows to existing outbuildings (to create seating booths), new entrance gates, a new gazebo and the construction of a new "beach nursery school including café and soft play" and a new hotel gym.

Hotel bosses previously revealed plans for the £7 million investment, describing it as a five-year upgrade, and urged the public to get behind the project.

Supporting planning documents state the beach school would "provide early years children across South Tyneside—including those in nurseries, schools, and the wider community—with access to a safe, secure, and engaging coastal learning environment."

To offset any opposition, the hotel said the two-level beach school building would be partly dug into the ground, with only one floor showing.

The plans went live on South Tyneside Council's planning portal website in late-June 2026 and members of the public can now view full plans and leave comments.

A design and access statement submitted to council officials notes the plans would deliver "significant economic and social benefits", including "supporting employment, tourism expenditure and investment within South Tyneside".

Those behind the scheme added the proposed development "represents a sustainable form of development that balances environmental, social and economic objectives".

It was also noted that where external works are proposed, "opportunities will be taken to improve the visual appearance and ecological value of the site" through a range of measures.

These include "improvements to existing landscaping and removal of invasive and non-native species", additional planting and the use of "green roofs and living walls".

The design and access statement adds: "The scheme promotes energy efficiency, resource conservation, sustainable transport and economic growth while securing the continued operation and improvement of an established hotel facility."

A decision on the plan is expected following a council public consultation exercise and comments can be made until July 15, 2026.

For more information, visit the council's planning portal website and search for reference 260188.