Criticism of plans to demolish a pub in North Shields and build a petrol station

Plans to redevelop a now vacant pub, The Redburn on Waterville Road, have generated 104 objections on North Tyneside Council’s online planning portal alongside an opposing petition with 169 signatures.

Objectors claim the erection of the petrol station would result in, among other problems, congestion, unsafe traffic, and “social disturbance.”

Chirton councillors Matthew Thirlaway and Hannah Johnson requested the plans be scrutinised and decided by North Tyneside Council’s planning committee rather than delegated to authority officers.

Fellow Chirton councillor Rebecca O’Keefe has also voiced her objection to the scheme in writing to the council.

Cllr O’Keefe wrote: “I oppose this application due to the various factors. The roundabout and roads cannot at this time deal with the flow of traffic.

“We have been advocating as councillors and residents for speeding measures to be put in place, parking bays, and speed reduction measures for years across Front Street, Wallsend Road, and Waterville Road.

"I have also witnessed individuals being knocked down and car collisions at this very point.”

Cllr O’Keefe continued: “I believe this will attract further anti-social behaviour in the already struggling under-funded ward.

"The residents deserve more than a filling station, which we have three of in less than a mile of the Redburn pub.

“We also have convenience stores in abundance across Chirton and Riverside wards.”

A report in support of the petrol station, submitted by the applicant Eston Service Station Ltd, claims the development would enhance the area and not pose a concern to public safety. The report claims that the proposal would replace a “vacant and unviable” pub.

Eston Services also claims the new petrol station will generate four full-time jobs and 10 part-time roles. Council documents also state that authority highway officers do not believe a new petrol station will pose a traffic threat to pedestrians or locals.

Northumbria Police has also recommended the station use uniformed guards, alter the internal layout, and install police-approved CCTV to deter incidences of anti-social behaviour.

Northumbria Police stated: “On balance, whilst there is some basis in local residents concern, we do not think it is, in isolation, sufficient for us to object to the proposed development but we would urge the applicant to consider our recommendations toward mitigation.”

Councillors are set to decide on the application on December 12, 2023, at North Tyneside Council’s Cobalt HQ.