Planning in South Tyneside

Providing for Recreational Open Space, Sport and Leisure

We will promote the provision of high quality recreational open space, playing fields and outdoor sporting and play facilities by: A implementing and supporting schemes that will protect and improve the quantity, quality and accessibility of open space and outdoor sports, leisure and children's play facilities throughout the Borough, in accordance with our adopted standards and other relevant legislation; B remedying deficiencies in open space provision and quality, including through the reuse of previously-developed 'brownfield' sites, particularly within the Tyne riverside regeneration corridor, the inner-urban areas of South Shields, and Cleadon village as shown on the Key Diagram; C supporting schemes that extend the Borough's strategic Linked Open Space System into the wider countryside, assist the implementation of the Great North Forest's recreational framework, or broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the Great North Forest and the River Tyne and coastal corridors.

Creating Sustainable Urban Areas

To deliver sustainable communities, development proposals will be focused and promoted within the built-up areas, in accordance with the spatial strategy for South Tyneside and Regional Spatial Strategy's sequential approach to development (RSS Policy 3), where they: A create a strong sense of place by strengthening the distinctive historic and cultural qualities and townscape of our towns and villages, and promote high quality design; B revitalise our town centres and other main shopping centres; C maintain and improve the provision of accessible basic local services and community facilities, whilst focusing high trip-generating uses within our town centres; D restore links between the River Tyne and the town centres and residential areas within the Tyne riverside regeneration corridor.

Delivering Economic Growth and Prosperity

40 ha of land will be allocated to meet economic development requirements, as shown on the Key Diagram, including: A 35 ha for new employment land and for employment uses within mixed use development sites. For mixed-use sites, priority will be given to allocating previously-developed land in key riverside regeneration areas at South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn. Particular priority will be given to focussing office development within the Town Centres and South Shields Riverside. B 5 ha for a 'green business park' at Jarrow and Hebburn riverside to encourage the development of environmental industries. Viable employment sites, and other employment sites with special attributes will also be safeguarded for employment uses only. Economic development outside these priority locations will also be encouraged in accessible locations, particularly in key regeneration areas, in order to promote new enterprise and encourage the development of culture, tourism and hospitality. Investment in education and training will also be encouraged at existing facilities and to develop new facilities at accessible locations, in order to encourage people to develop the qualifications and skills that are attractive to business and vital to new enterprise. Targeted training and employment agreements will be used to assist in maximising the benefit of developments that occur in the Borough.

Local Character and Distinctiveness

To conserve the best qualities of South Tyneside's built and natural environment the Council will: A improve the distinctive urban characters of South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn; B protect and enhance the openness of Green Belt; C preserve the special and separate characters of the urban fringe villages of Boldon Colliery, West Boldon, East Boldon, Cleadon and Whitburn; and D implement the Great North Forest's strategies for access, education, enterprise and biodiversity in a forestry framework by: i) enhancing the River Don Valley farmland into a well-wooded recreational landscape enclosing a network of open corridors; ii) reconstructing the Boldon / Cleadon fringe as an informal and wooded local recreation area that softens intrusive urban edges; iii) conserving the open limestone grassland character of the Cleadon Hills; iv) enhancing North Sunderland fringe by significantly increasing tree cover; and v) restoring the small-scale agricultural field pattern of Downhill.

The Coastal Zone

To reinforce the coastal zone as a strategic multi-purpose corridor the Council will work with partners to: A conserve and enhance the character of the Undeveloped Coast as a high quality natural environment and resource for biodiversity and outdoor recreation; B promoting the Developed Coast as a major leisure and tourism destination with strong links to South Shields town centre; and, C reduce the risk of coastal erosion, especially at: i) Littlehaven; ii) Trow Quarry; iii) A183 near Marsden Lime Kilns; and, iv) Old Harbour Quarry, Whitburn. D reduce the risk of flooding along the developed and undeveloped coast.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

To optimise conditions for wildlife, implement the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan and tackle habitat fragmentation the Council will: A secure and enhance the integrity of designated sites; B maintain, enhance, restore and add to biodiversity and geological conservation interests; C ensure that new development would result in no net loss of biodiversity value of any of the following Priority Habitats: i) magnesian limestone grassland; ii) coastal sand dunes; iii) maritime cliffs and slopes; iv) mudflats; v) rivers and wetlands; vi) species rich neutral grasslands; vii) rocky shores; D reduce the fragmentation of, improve or extend existing Priority Habitats; E create new Priority Habitats, especially in the Habitat Creation Zones of: i) Cleadon Hills; ii) Downhill; iii) River Don Valley; iv) Wardley Colliery; F protect and strengthen populations of Priority or other protected species; G enhance the biodiversity value of wildlife corridors; and H where appropriate, restrict access and usage in order to conserve an area's biodiversity value.

Environmental Protection

To complement the regeneration of the Borough, the Council will control new development so that it: A acts to reduce levels of pollution, environmental risk and nuisance throughout the Borough; B minimises adverse impacts on the Magnesian Limestone Aquifer and its associated groundwater protection zones; C focuses the treatment of contaminated and derelict land so as to achieve a balance between: i) the management of risk approach in its Contaminated Land Strategy; and ii) the regeneration of the riverside corridor; D ensures that the individual and cumulative effects of development do not breach noise, hazardous substances or pollution limits; and E does not permit unsustainable schemes to be located in those areas of the coast, Tyne corridor and Don Valley where flood risk is unacceptably high.

Planning for Waste

To integrate waste management into the creation of more sustainable communities throughout the Borough the Council will: A build on the success of its reduction and recycling initiatives; B allocate land for waste management facilities in sustainable locations to make an appropriate contribution towards dealing with the estimates of waste requiring management in Tyne and Wear identified in the Regional Spatial Strategy; C allocate land for any additional sewage management facilities required by the Water Framework Directive, especially those associated with the Jarrow Pre-Treatment works and its network of pumping stations; D require major proposals and those generating significant volumes of waste to incorporate an appropriate level of waste sorting, recovery and recycling facilities; and E refuse permission for landfill, unless it meets a need which cannot be met by treatment higher in the waste hierarchy.

Sustainable Urban Living

High quality in sustainable urban living will be promoted by ensuring that: A highest standards of urban design are promoted so that buildings and their settings make a positive contribution to the local area; B the use of environmentally sound and energy efficient construction materials and operational techniques are achieved and that developers work towards low carbon and zero carbon standards; C on-site generation of renewable energy is maximised, with a target of 10% of each scheme's energy requirements; D use is made of 'sustainable urban drainage systems' and water conservation features including 'grey water recycling' and other technologies wherever possible; E priority is given to alternative modes of transport to the private car, and access by: i) requiring travel plans for developments which would have significant transport implications; ii) enhancing electronic communication infrastructure; F the need to design out crime and eliminate the fear of crime has been addressed; G buildings and their settings are designed to be flexible, enabling them to adapt to future needs and to take into account the needs of all users; and H all new development is encouraged to incorporate biodiversity and geological features at the design stage.

World Heritage Sites

To maximise the benefits of its most important heritage assets, as shown on the Key Diagram, the Council will assist its partners by: A promoting the bid of Wearmouth-Jarrow to gain World Heritage Site status; B implementing the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site management plan and linking Arbeia to the visitor attractions on the Foreshore; and C raising the profile of both sites by: i) protecting and enhancing their settings; ii) promoting and sensitively interpreting their significance; and iii) improving sustainable access to South Shields and Jarrow town centres and around the sites.

Sustainable Housing Provision

Sustainable residential communities will be created and promoted by: A renovating and improving the Borough's existing housing stock where sustainable and viable to do so, and enhancing the surrounding residential environment, to meet local housing market needs, particularly in the northern riverside parts of South Shields; B considering options, in consultation with local communities, for demolition and redevelopment schemes in areas of low demand or where the stock does not meet and is not capable of meeting local housing market needs, such as in the Cleadon Park and Hebburn town centre areas; and C managing the phased release of land for new housing development consistent with: i) the spatial strategy and regeneration priorities for South Tyneside, restricting any housing development to within the extent of the existing built-up urban area; ii) the sequential approach to housing development in PPS3; iii) the prioritisation and assessment of suitability and availability of sites within the Council's urban capacity study; and iv) the Borough's indicative Regional Spatial Strategy allocations for net additional new dwellings. The residual Regional Spatial Strategy allocation requirements for net additional housing completions within each of the Borough's identified Housing Market Areas, as illustrated on the Key Diagram, are as follows: Jarrow/Hebburn South Shields / Urban Fringe Total (av. per annum) 2004-2011 [No need to allocate any further housing land to meet RSS allocation] 2011-2016 200 (~40pa) 1,000 (~200pa) 1,200 (~240pa) 2016-2021 350 (~70pa) 1,300 (~260pa) 1,650 (~330pa) These residual allocations take into account existing commitments, and will be achieved by a combination of site allocations within Area Action Plans and the Site-Specific Allocations document, as well as 'windfall' developments on previously-developed land. We will seek to achieve a minimum of 80% of new housing development on appropriate previously-developed 'brownfield' sites. We will encourage higher densities in the most accessible locations, in accordance with the following distances around our town or other main shopping centres or Metro stations: i) average 50 net dwellings per hectare on sites within 400m; ii) average 40 net dwellings per hectare on sites between 400-800m; and iii) average 30 net dwellings per hectare on sites beyond 800m.

Housing Needs, Mix and Affordability

A range and choice of good quality, energy-efficient and affordable homes will be provided for all. Development proposals will be assessed according to how well they meet the identified needs and aspirations of the Borough's individual Housing Market Areas, as shown on the Key Diagram, by: A creating a more balanced mix of tenure and housing types, focusing primarily on: i) Jarrow/Hebburn urban area: 2-bed starter and 3 and 4-bed family/executive homes; semi-detached and terraced houses, bungalows and upper-floor flats; for owner-occupation; ii) South Shields urban area: 2-bed starter and 3 and 4-bed family/executive homes; detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, bungalows and upper-floor flats; for owner-occupation and social-renting; iii) the Urban Fringe villages: 2-bed starter and 3 and 4-bed family/executive homes; detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and bungalows; for owner-occupation. B requiring a minimum of 25% of all new dwellings to be genuinely affordable. This will apply to all developments of 15 dwellings or more or 0.5ha or more (whichever gives the greatest number of dwellings) – or on sites of 5 dwellings or more within the Urban Fringe villages. This target will, however, be negotiable within reason between sites to ensure genuine affordability and to reflect local housing needs; and C ensuring that housing meets the requirements of special needs groups where there is a genuine and proven need and demand. We will promote and facilitate opportunities for individual and community self-build housing developments, particularly where they will contribute to meeting local housing needs, including encouraging commercial house builders to set aside serviced plots for self-build housing where appropriate.

Providing for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites

We will promote and provide authorised sites for gypsies and travellers: A where there is genuine and proven need and demand; and B by the allocation, where necessary, of suitable and sustainable gypsy and traveller caravan sites in the site specific allocations development plan documents and by granting planning permission for such sites where: i) they would not prejudice potential redevelopment proposals within the Borough's priority regeneration areas; ii) they would not be located within any known high flood risk areas; iii) they would not compromise the objectives of designation of any nationally recognised element of the Borough's built or natural environmental assets, including existing and proposed World Heritage Sites; iv) any harm caused to the Green Belt by reasons of inappropriateness and any other harm would be clearly outweighed by other considerations amounting to very special circumstances; v) any significant adverse effects on surrounding residential and environmental amenities and safety considerations are acceptably minimised; and C In accordance with other relevant detailed development control policies.

Spatial Strategy for South Tyneside

The spatial strategy for South Tyneside, as shown on the Key Diagram, is to: A regenerate the River Tyne and coastal corridors including the Tyne Gateway at South Shields; B support development that reflects the scale and functions of the main towns of South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn; C promote opportunities along the A19 Economic Growth Corridor; D ensure the sustainability of our settlements by reducing the emissions which cause climate change and adapting to its effects; and E maximise the re-use of previously developed land, in the built up areas. The principles of securing mixed-use development, promoting accessibility, and ensuring that development maximises the community benefits of regeneration, whilst avoiding or minimising environmental impacts and congestion and safeguarding natural and cultural assets. The use of Planning Obligations is essential in delivering this overall strategy.

Reviving our Town Centres and other Shopping Centres

Development proposals for retailing, as well as offices, commercial leisure, indoor sports, cultural, social and community facilities, will be focused and promoted within the three town centres of South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn, as shown on the Key Diagram, where they: A protect and enhance the retail character and function of ground floor premises within the defined primary shopping areas and primary retail frontages; B encourage retail growth and an appropriate mix of uses within the secondary shopping streets and through the re-use of upper floors; and C encourage the controlled and well-managed growth, diversification and promotion of the evening economy, particularly in South Shields town centre. We will allocate land within, or on the edge of, the town centres, and in accordance with the Borough's hierarchy of centres, to promote a significant increase in the Borough's retail opportunities for consumer durable goods and bulky goods, up to a maximum 80,000sqm net floorspace capacity Borough-wide. We will also allocate land for a maximum 5,000sqm net retail floorspace for convenience shopping provision across the Borough, including up to 4,000sqm in Hebburn town centre. Developments within the designated other main (district) shopping centres – Harton Nook, Frederick Street, Boldon Colliery, Westoe Bridges, Dean Road, Boldon Lane – as shown on the Key Diagram, and other local neighbourhood centres will be promoted and supported, provided that they complement but do not adversely impact upon the regeneration of the three town centres, and where they are in accordance with PPS6. Within Frederick Street shopping centre, we will seek to consolidate retail and commercial premises into a more sustainable, compact and viable core. This approach will also be used in other shopping centres where necessary and appropriate. New and improved indoor sports and leisure facilities will also be promoted and supported as part of established out-of-centre leisure and recreation facilities and school-based community sports facilities where they genuinely complement and enhance the range and quality of exiting facilities, and would not adversely impact on the vitality and viability of existing facilities in the town and other main shopping centres.

Improving Accessibility

The Council will support public transport, walking and cycling initiatives that maximise the accessibility of new development being focused at: A regeneration areas along the riverside corridor, including South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn town centres; and Priority will also be given to improving accessibility, particularly by encouraging and promoting public transport improvements, both within the Borough and between the Borough and: B the A19 Economic Growth Corridor (including employment areas at Boldon Colliery, Doxford Park, North Tyneside and South East Northumberland); and C other destinations in the Tyne and Wear City Region, such as Newcastle and Sunderland city centres, Newcastle Central Station and Newcastle International Airport. The key growth areas within South Tyneside are shown on the Key Diagram. Transport Assessments will be required for any major development proposal. Parking standards will apply to new development, and will be set out in a Supplementary Planning Document.