Changes loom for car park at leisure park near Asda that's home to McDonald's, Nando's and Cineworld
Plans for new electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities at a South Tyneside leisure park have been submitted to council development bosses.
South Tyneside Council’s planning department has received an application for the Boldon Entertainment leisure complex off Abingdon Way in the Boldon Colliery ward.
The leisure park sits adjacent to an Asda supermarket and is home to restaurants including McDonald's and Nando's, as well as the Cineworld multiplex cinema.
Applicant Raw Charging has applied for permission to install electric vehicle charging stations and associated infrastructure in part of the leisure complex’s car park.
Plans are seeking permission for the “installation of electric vehicle charging stations comprising charge point upstands, supporting electrical equipment including a substation and cabinet infrastructure”.
The proposed site includes a number of car parking spaces in the part of the leisure complex adjacent to Henley Way, and near the unit which was last occupied by Tim Hortons.
A planning, design and access statement submitted with the plans states the development would “enhance existing infrastructure within the strategic road network by providing additional electric vehicle charging capacity to meet growing demand”.
It was noted that “EV charging facilities are essential infrastructure in supporting the transition to ultra-low-emission vehicles and play a critical role in helping to deliver the UK Government’s net zero carbon objectives for the transport sector”.
Supporting planning documents also noted the development would include “electric vehicle charging bays with ultra-rapid (150kw+) charging points” and that the chargers would be “fully compatible with other electric vehicles with a standard European socket – expanding the public benefit to support the entire EV market”.
The number and type of chargers proposed, outlined in supporting planning documents, include six “HYC150 charging upstands”, three “AC chargers” and three “HYC50 charging upstands”.
A planning application confirms that the development would lead to the loss of eight standard spaces from the car park and submitted layout plans show around 24 EV charging spaces.
The planning, design and access statement adds: “The proposal is fully aligned with Government objectives and legislation relating to climate
change, decarbonisation of development and reduction in the use of fossil fuels.
“We have set out the Government’s support for electric vehicles and the key driver of the National Development Framework, which is to contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development.
“The council is also seeking to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The proposals will clearly support both key visions.
“This statement has assessed the proposed development and its accordance with relevant national and local planning policies.
“The proposal supports all relevant policy areas when accounting for all relevant material planning considerations.
“The overall planning balance is one that can be seen to clearly support the environmental commitments of the Local Plan and the Government’s drive to support the shift towards the use of electric vehicles.
“We therefore respectfully request that planning permission is granted for the proposed development.”
A decision on the planning application is expected following a period of council consultation.
For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 250795
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