New plans for a housing development on the South Tyneside College’s campus site have been officially submitted – with campaigners vowing to scrutinise them every step of the way.

In a shock move last month, Miller Homes confirmed it had replaced Avant Homes as the developer of the 9.3-hectare site in St George’s Avenue, in Westoe, South Shields.

The Edinburgh-based firm has now lodged its amended plans to South Tyneside Council.

The plans are open to public consultation until Wednesday, February 11.

Environmentalists welcomed Miller’s scheme – which would see a reduction in the number of homes being erected from 260 to 198.

They also supported the house builder’s move to reduce the expected felling of 143 mature trees on the site – although a precise figure has not been confirmed.

Environment campaigners Cllr Karen Myers, Colin Porter and Cllr Rachael Taylor at the South Tyneside College site. | Iconic Media

placeholder image — Environment campaigners Cllr Karen Myers, Colin Porter and Cllr Rachael Taylor at the South Tyneside College site. | Iconic Media

Though generally supportive of Miller’s new proposition, they insist they will continue to push the case for even more trees to be left standing.

The housing plan follows South Tyneside College moving to a new campus a mile away in South Shields town centre.

The new campus is expected to open next year.

South Tyneside Tree Action Group (STAGG), which monitors and acts against tree felling and campaigned against Avant Homes’ scheme, said it remained vigilant in light of the new application.

Spokesman Colin Porter, 66, said: “We are aware that Miller Homes has officially submitted its new application and we plan to monitor its progress.

“We will look at what its final plans are, and we are hopeful that an even higher number of trees can be saved.

“STAGG will look at what Miller has planned, and we are hopeful its proposals are better than those of Avant Homes.”

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Announcing its takeover of the development, Miller insisted its scheme was environmentally better than that previously in place.

In a statement, Ryan Lincoln, the firm’s regional managing director, said Miller would work to ensure the developments responded to the community’s needs.

He also said the builder had a policy of retaining greenery and open spaces within its developments.

Mr Lincoln added: “We’re pleased to have submitted this planning variation, which we hope will allow us to move forward with a scheme that will unlock beautiful new homes for South Tyneside, while catalysing regeneration in the borough.”