Verdict in on building changes to 'enhance' South Tyneside school and 'create a vision' for students

South Tyneside Council’s planning department has approved an application for Hebburn Lakes Primary School off Campbell Park Road in the Hebburn South ward.

The school submitted plans earlier this year (2025) seeking permission for “551 solar panels to be installed on the flat and pitched roofs of the school” with a “total generating capacity of 250 kWp”.

A design and access statement submitted to council planning officials said the development would “help the school maximise the potential of on-site renewable electricity generation as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy”.

It was noted that the development would also have a minimal impact on neighbouring properties and would “enhance the school building and appeal of being a modern learning centre looking towards the future and creating a vision of sustainability for students.”

After considering the planning application, South Tyneside Council’s planning department approved it on November 24, 2025.

Council planners, in a decision report, noted that the solar panels scheme as proposed was “in line with the relevant legislation and permitted development criteria”.

It was noted that the school is “set within an area of other educational establishments and residential properties” and that the roof is “not highly visible from a public vantage point”.

Council planners said the “installation of solar panels is considered to be appropriate in terms of visual amenity”, that the “number of solar panels is considered to be appropriate in terms of the scale of the building” and raised no issues with the “design and external appearance” of the scheme.

The council decision report adds: “The solar panels will be situated approximately 90 metres from the nearest residential properties which are located on Coniston Avenue to the east.

“However, these properties are separated from the application site by large grass verges, the school playing field, and a tree lined highway, and where the building’s roof is also shallow.

“Due to this distance and flat / shallow roof design, very minimal amounts of light / glare reflected by the solar panels would reach these residential properties.

“The distances to other neighbours including those to the south at Finchale Road approximately 200 metres away is also considered to be significant.

“Additionally the submitted details indicate the solar panels would be anti-glare in design.

“It is therefore considered there would be no harm to neighbours as a result of the proposed development.”

The applicant, in previous supporting planning documents, confirmed that “panels will be arranged in south-facing and west-facing rows, following the orientation of the buildings” and will be “manufactured with anti-glare coating, ensuring no risk of glint and glare for neighbouring properties or road users”.

Those behind the scheme added the visual appearance of the solar panels is considered “appropriate and positive for the school buildings” at Hebburn Lakes Primary School.

For more information on the plan and council decision, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 250634

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