Time is called on plans to turn South Shields seafront pub into flats

A bid was lodged with planning chiefs at South Tyneside Council in November to tear down the Waters Edge pub, at Trow Lea, South Shields, to make way for a three-storey apartment block.

The scheme included plans for 21 two-bedroomed apartments with their own separate parking facilities.

The application was due to be considered by councillors at a meeting of South Tyneside Council’s planning committee later this month.

But the housing vision – drafted up by architect John Waugh Architects of Houghton-le-Spring – has now been withdrawn ahead of the meeting.

It is not known who was behind the plan to redevelop the site.

The application for the housing project stated plans to develop a “landmark” residential building with a nautical theme in keeping with the coastal environment.

The application stated: “The major intention for the scheme is to provide a landmark residential building fronting the beach, providing an aesthetically dynamic statement to residents and passers by.”

The development had been given the thumbs-up by the residents living closest to the pub, which is only open on certain days of the week,

Fitness instructor Paul Mort, who has just moved to The Broadway, said after the application was made: “Nobody in this street will be able to see it, so it’s not as if it will block any views.

“The pub seems to have struggled in recent years. Nothing has really taken off there and nobody seems to be sure if it’s open or closed, so I think it’s a good idea.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named agreed.

He said: “It would be nice to see that area being used properly. At the moment it just always seem to be empty, there’s a big car park there with not much going on.

“Our houses are too far back for it to cause us any issues. Anyway, the pub is already two storeys high, so it would only be a few more feet on top of what it is.”

However, a woman who lives on the street had a slight concern for potential residents driving along the access road, which currently leads from the pub to the Coast Road.

She said: “At times I struggle to get out of my drive, so if there’s a lot more traffic using that turn off opposite, there might be some issues.

“But overall I think it a good idea.”

John Waugh Architects wished to make no comment over the withdrawal of the application.