UK Docks knew that their shed was taller and wider than permitted and so did South Tyneside Council because the plans approved in 1996 and 2013 showed that fact to be true. It was the Council who appear to have been persuaded by a powerful lobby to hide the fact while plans to lengthen it were submitted by UK Docks.
The powerful lobby included those who use the shed for the maintenance of their vessels, the UK Government who own Coastal Patrol Vessels, the Port of Tyne who run a Pilot Service in the lower reaches of the Tyne and the Nexus Ferry Service.
South Tyneside Council knew that the footpath that ran along the riverbank, beside a Call Centre had been used by the public since the call centre was first opened. It was later closed with the Council’s permission for the benefit of those who were party to the Call Centre’s redevelopment into flats, and also those who lived in the adjoining terrace, 22-26 Long Row South Shields.
They too overlooked the footpath which partly touched the riverbank of the Tyne as shown in the photo:-
