South Tyneside Local Plan rejected—new government proposals could threaten Green Belt

9/12/2024

You may have heard that the cabinet has rejected the South Tyneside Local Plan. The draft of this plan proposed to build houses on the Lodge and the horses’ field, but we were were successful in having other Green Belt sites removed, including the Charley Hurley Field and Wellands Lane field. We are asking the council what their next steps will be.

New government proposals to revise national planning policy (the NPPF: National Planning Policy Framework) could require the council to plan for 131% more homes than before. Drastically increased housing targets they will have to meet! They will be forced to review Green Belt land, and will likely have to allocate more Green Belt sites for housing, even sites that are of high quality. If the current Local Plan isn’t approved soon, and the NPPF proposals go ahead, the council will need to restart the whole local plan again. It's very likely that previously removed sites like Charley Hurley and Wellands Lane will come back into consideration. This would bring us back to where we were a few years ago, but without a lot less chance of stopping development on Green Belt in Whitburn. Building houses on these sites would have significant negative impacts on the village and environment.

The Forum is responding to the government’s consultation and encourages you to do the same. The deadline for responses is 24 September.

Also reach out to your councillors and MP with your concerns. You can find all the information below.

4 Comments

Jan Atkinson

9/12/2024 08:53:18 pm

It amazes me that although we surly know that housing is an issue all around the country. The relevant housing needed is social housing…apparently. But it seems that the only winners, especially in this area are property developers. Nothing is actually being done to support those who need appropriate housing. I am totally opposed to this reckless attitude without any thought to what is the main issue. Helping those who need and not want.

Andrea

9/13/2024 12:17:53 pm

Stop the development of green belt sites in Whitburn Village. Whitburn is a small village and we don’t have enough schools or Doctors to support more residents in the village. The road infrastructure is insufficient at the moment. More people living in the village will
Make it worse. Also public transport is very poor.And what about the environment. The green belt sites support a lot of wildlife

Anonymous

9/14/2024 05:03:36 am

More houses are necessary due to the growth of population, labour supports voted and now don't want to adhere to the consequences. Public transport is very good in my opinion. At least 3 buses pass through the village, what more do want ? 4 or 5 .. Those buses are normally never full.
Larger population requires more homes, simple as that.

Janet

12/7/2024 10:36:38 am

I fear the loss of green belt land surrounding Whitburn is gathering speed!
On Friday 22nd November the field behind Marsden Primary School was surveyed!
On contacting one of our local councillors they kindly enquired on my behalf.
Apparently, although the site so far, isn’t part of the ‘publication draft local plan’ and nor have any plans been submitted, they have however since become aware that yes, a house builder is interested in building on this green belt land!

NEWS