Sent: Fri, 11 Dec 2015 10:10
Subject: Fwd: Planning application UK Docks – ST/0461/14/FUL

Dear Garry Simmonette,

Planning Application UK Docs Your reference: ST/0461/14/FUL

We were informed by Gordon Atkinson (see email attached) that you are dealing with this matter.

We have recently learned that Supplementary Information regarding this matter was made available some months ago although we were NOT sent a copy of this it, even though we had clearly registered our own formal objections, which had been registered by yourselves. I have also learned that this matter may be going before the Planning Committee in early January and that any objections need to be registered with yourselves by 11 December 2015. Again, even considering our early complaint/objection STMBC failed to inform us of this.

We wish to formally object to the above planning application. We list below the reasons for our objection.

1 The existing shed structure is unlawful as it was not built according to planning permission. STMBC have admitted this fact. We therefore have no confidence that if planning permission for this application is granted that the construction will be built according to plan and that STMBC will ensure that this is the case, especially considering the fact that even though STMBC have confirmed that the 1st shed was not built to plan, part of the new proposals includes an extension of 5 metres to this illegally built shed!

2 Since the building of the first shed site usage has already changed from it’s original ‘light industrial usage’ to that of a heavy industrial nature and this will intensify further if the proposed second shed is constructed.

3 The impact of noise, dust, pollutants, access to site is already incompatible with the residential area around the site and this will only significantly worsen if this planning permission is granted.

4. We believe the application to be contrary to a number of policies identified in the South Tyneside Core Strategy and Area Action Plan Policies.

5 Highway impacts due to the re-location of the access have clearly not been addressed.There are significant highway issues both immediately outside and inside the proposed complex, yet no report on these points has been made available. This should be imperative prior to any planning consideration/approval.

6 The visual impact on a beautiful area of the town much appreciated by many visitors would be significantly adversely affected as would the impact on key views of the Fish Quay Conservation Area.

7 The impact on listed buildings near the site and archaeology on the site has not been quantified.

8 There are other more suitable areas on the Tyne available for this type of heavy industrial usage.

9 The height of the proposed second shed (although reduced slightly from the original plan) still causes a significant visual impact on the area.

10 Noise from the site is already a problem for nearby residents and the proposed ‘noise fence’ does not address the current and further anticipated noise problems as no details of how this ‘noise fence’ would be effective have been provided. In addition the construction of the jetty will involve further noise issues.

11 The construction of a second shed will cause even more overshadowing to residences close by further reducing the quality of life for the residents.

12 The proposed office block does not appear to reflect the local character/history in it’s design.

13 Evidence to support the planning application has often been unavailable and we doubt that all relevant evidence has been collected (e.g. Highways Impact Assessment) to be able to make a reasoned assessment of the planned proposals.

14 The fact that issues surrounding the existing boatshed remain very much unresolved should make consideration of this additional planning proposal not appropriate at this time.

We implore you to seriously consider the many and reasonable objections made to this Planning Application, along with fair objections to the proposed timing of its presentation to the planning committee on 12/1/16.

We certainly consider that STMBC have failed in their duty to local residents considering their lack of communication, and unavailability of pertinent evidence relating to this planning application. Until such issues have been fully addressed we feel the timing of the presentation to the planning committee is clearly inappropriate.

Please ensure that you are carrying out your duties in accordance with the law and current guidance and that the whole planning process is robust and fair. The local residents are committed to preserving their quality of life in what is a wonderful place to live in a physically and culturally beautiful part of the world and to ensure it remains so for future generations to enjoy.

Yours Sincerely, C and J, Greens Place