One Stop eyes new shop in part of social club because it's the only suitable place in Hebburn or Jarrow

South Tyneside Council’s planning department has received an application for Jordan’s Social Club off Brighton Parade in the Hebburn area.

Plans are seeking permission for the “proposed change of use of part of sports bar (sui generis) to form convenience store (E class), including ramp access points and new shopfront.”

Submitted floor plans indicate the shop’s front elevation is proposed along the side of the social club facing Marine Drive, and proposals include a ramp and signage for “One Stop.”

A planning application submitted to council officials states the change of use to create the shop has not started on site.

A supporting document also submitted to the council makes a case for the development and notes alternative sites were considered for the shop, including locations in the Hebburn and Jarrow town centres.

However, it was noted that there were “no suitable, available and viable sites within Hebburn or Jarrow town centres that could reasonably accommodate a small, neighbourhood-focused convenience store of the scale proposed”.

The supporting document added the application site is an “established business” but that the new shop proposal forms part of plans to “diversify whilst retaining the existing use”.

Planning documents confirmed the site has a mixed-use as a social club and a hair salon and stressed that both of these uses will be retained, with only “part of the social club given over to create a small retail unit”.

A spokesperson for the club said said it would be continuing to operate as normal for the foreseeable future, with absolutely no plans to close.

“We remain committed to our members and community and look forward to continuing to welcome everyone as usual,” they added.

It was argued that the site is “highly suitable for a local convenience store and provides a service not currently available within the surrounding community”.

Applicants said the proposed shop would serve the “immediate residential community” and would “provide everyday essentials such as groceries, milk, bread and household items” and is “not intended to function as a large-format supermarket or destination retail use”.

In this context, it was argued that the development would be “local in nature” and “meet a neighbourhood need”, rather than “competing with established town centre retail areas”.

On traffic and parking matters, it was noted that the site benefits from two on-site parking spaces but that there was also “extensive off-street parking provision locally” which would be “sufficient to accommodate any limited short-stay vehicle visits”, as well as the area benefiting from “excellent public transport connectivity”.

Those behind the scheme said the development would “support walkability, reduce unnecessary car journeys and enhance the day-to-day convenience and quality of life for nearby residents”.

It was also noted that the proposals would “provide local employment opportunities” while “supporting the continued viable use of an existing building”.

The applicant’s supporting statement adds: “We are confident the proposals will be beneficial to the building, to the landscape and to the area, helping to support the diversification of the existing business / property.

“The proposals respect the distinctive character of the area in which the development is proposed, both in terms of the scale, design and nature of the development.”

A decision on the planning application is expected following a council consultation exercise.

For more information on the shop plan, or to track its progress, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 250706

For the latest public notices from your area, please visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk/