Controversial plans to replace the Sandpiper pub in Cullercoats with flats and an Asda resubmitted

A proposal to demolish the Farringdon Road watering hole and replace it with 14 flats, an Asda, and a new café and bar, have been resubmitted by Malhotra Plc.

Earlier plans were rejected by North Tyneside Council’s planning committee in December 2022, following public and political outcry from both Labour and Tory councillors.

However, Malhotra appealed the rejection to the Planning Inspectorate. While the appeal was dismissed on a clerical technicality, the inspectorate found no fault with the proposal and dubbed the council’s behaviour as “unreasonable.”

North Tyneside Council was subsequently ordered to pay Malhotra’s appeal costs.

Many residents feared the development would overlook and overshadow their homes, particularly in the winter months. Others also feared the introduction of 14 new homes would generate traffic chaos.

Speaking of the new application, a Malhotra spokesperson said: “We are thankful to the inspectorate who agreed with us and we sincerely hope that North Tyneside Council will approve the development.

"This project will create employment and quality housing, both of which are needed in the area.

“We look forward to working together with the council.”

Labour and Conservative opposition to the development remains fierce with councillors on both sides of the aisle voicing their concern about Malhotra’s plans.

Willie Samuel, a Labour councillor for Cullercoats, said: “It was really disappointing to hear that Malhotra has re-submitted an almost identical application to that which was rejected by the planning committee, rejected (albeit with qualifications) by the planning inspectorate, and has been overwhelmingly opposed by local people.

“The pub has made great efforts to make their business more sustainable and the new building is as out of keeping with the area as it always was.

"I remain opposed to this development and would urge Malhotra again to reconsider and withdraw this application.”

Cllr Samuel has also started a petition in opposition to the revised Malhotra scheme.

At the time of writing no date has been set for a public planning committee meeting for the application.

Conservative councillor Linda Arkley said: “It is extremely disappointing that the application for development on the Sandpiper site has been submitted.

"Earlier this year we worked to get hundreds of residents to sign a petition against these proposals. The strength of feeling against this development has been overwhelming.

“I now hope that the Labour-dominated planning committee will stand with residents against these plans. After all, the council should be on the side of local people, not big developers.”