String of objections to bistro plans for former South Shields workwear store

South Tyneside Council’s planning committee will, on Monday, discuss a change of use application to turn the former Workwear and Schoolwear Company, in Dean Road, South Shields. into an office and bistro.

Browns Letting Agency aim to relocate into a new office and opening an upmarket bar and bistro next door – in a £500,000 project.

Bosses plan to convert part of the building on Dean Road into a new office – doubling the workforce to four - but the bulk of the property will be a café, bar and bistro, potentially employing 15 full and part-time staff.

If approved, the cafe would be open from 7.30am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 11pm on Sunday.

A previously approved application for the building only permits the cafe to open until 9.30pm Monday to Saturday and to 4.30pm on Sunday.

Twenty three objections have been received from 19 neighbouring properties with concerns including opening hours, suggesting the proposal is for a bar rather than a cafe.

Other objections included noise disruption, cigarette smoke odour, parking, loss of property value, business competition and lack of suitability to the area.

The proposed cafe would require a licence from South Tyneside Council who could change opening hours or impose a condition that alcohol can only be served with food.

The report adds that many premises the area – including the Westoe Hotel and RAF Association Social Club – can open past 11pm and that the acceptability of general noise is well established.

The plans are recommended for approval with a planning report concluding the cafe/ office would not cause any significant harm to nearby properties, existing shopping centres or highway safety.

Chris Binding

Local Democracy Reporter