'Significant damage' - South Tyneside councillors slam plan for 205 homes overlooking primary school

A controversial plan to build homes on farmland next to a South Tyneside school has been slammed by newly elected councillors – coinciding with the time-ticking end of a public consultation.

All three Whitburn and Marsden ward Reform representatives have condemned the proposed 205-property development of a 10-hectare site adjoining Marsden Primary, at Mill Lane.

Dave Royal, Steve Cain and Tony Humphrey say they have formally objected in writing to the Story Homes scheme, in turn supporting what they claim is the view of a majority of residents.

And they intend to voice their disapproval further by speaking against it when it is debated by the borough’s planning committee at a date yet to be set.

They are among dozens of residents and campaigners who are believed to have objected during the recently ended consultation period.

It brought to a close Story Homes’ latest step in its bid to build, first revealed in December, which prompted an almost immediate 1,500 signature protest petition.

Speaking also on behalf of his ward colleagues, Cllr Royal said planning permission would lead to houses of a type not locally needed being built on an area of environmental importance.

Cllr Royal, the Reform-led council’s Lead Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment, added: “We have many concerns about this plan, including environmental and economic.

“We are told by the government that South Tyneside needs all these new houses, but we don’t.

“There does need to be a housing development programme, but we need social and affordable housing.

“The houses here will be three, four and five bed executive properties, which will be out of the reach of most people.

“And there are also environmental reasons for objecting. This is one of the few hotspots for curlews.

“There would be significant damage to nature here. We also have concerns about the sewerage.

“The vast majority of local people oppose this scheme and as councillors, we support them in that.”

Cllr Royal also said the land did not feature in South Tyneside’s recently approved Local Plan, the borough’s long-term strategy around development, jobs and the economy.

He said: “What’s the point of having a Local Plan if you then ignore it? This land is also actively farmed, it’s as if it is not being used.

“All three of the ward councillors formally object to this plan. We may even have a change of government and then housing policy may change.”

Carlisle-based Story Homes’ application shows it plans to build 62 social, affordable or intermediate rent properties, and 20 starter homes on the site.

It has insisted it is committed to creating “thriving communities in South Tyneside, combining high-quality homes with green spaces and infrastructure to support modern family living”.

In a statement, Amanda Stephenson, its Head of Land, has said: "Whitburn is a thriving area with strong community spirit, and we’re excited to bring forward these proposals.

“Our goal is to create a development that not only provides a variety of homes for people at all stages of life, but also enhances the local environment, with generous green spaces, an improved play area, and a sustainable drainage strategy.

“We look forward to working closely with South Tyneside Council and the local community as the application progresses."