Scores of homes to go on South Shields estate

A total of 126 properties in Hudson Street, Dock Street, Lord Nelson Street and Whitehead Street, in the Tyne Dock area of South Shields are to be bulldozed.

The decision was taken by South Tyneside Council’s cabinet after it considered a report containing a recommendation to decommission and demolish council-owned properties in the area and negotiate the purchase of seven owner-occupied properties.

Twenty four of the properties are also leased to homeless charity Places for People.

The council say there are a high number of long-term empty properties on the estate, as well as a high turnover of tenants, leading to high repair and maintenance costs.

The accommodation – which comprises of flats within blocks - is unpopular with families and often unaffordable for single households.

All owners and tenants will be supported to move into suitable alternative accommodation and will receive appropriate compensation for the loss of their home.

The move comes after the council successfully bid for funding from Homes England (HE) as part of the Estate Regeneration Programme to examine the feasibility of various options for the future of the Tyne Dock estate.

Following an appraisal, which included carrying out structural surveys of properties, demolition was recommended as the preferred option because it was felt that the existing homes are unsustainable in the long-term and no longer meets the needs and aspirations of residents. The council says the demolition will allow the redevelopment of new high quality homes.

Coun Ed Malcolm, lead member for resources and innovation at South Tyneside Council, said: “We appreciate that this will be a very unsettling time for residents affected and we will do everything we can to support them in finding alternative accommodation and making the process as smooth as possible.

“Officers from the council and South Tyneside Homes will be visiting residents to discuss their individual needs.

“This is about regeneration and finding long-term solutions to transform this neighbourhood.

“This accommodation is not particularly suitable for families and is often unaffordable for single people.

“Demolishing the existing properties will enable us to provide the kind of modern, sustainable homes that residents desire.”