PLEASE READ – THIS AFFECTS YOU!

Further Development at River Drive

News from ‘theharbourview.co.uk’

You will have seen, (probably heard) and been dismayed by the development of the UK Docks site at River Drive.

Some of you have already made your feelings clear by signing a petition protesting against the development (over 300 signatures to date). Others have gone further and registered official complaints with South Tyneside Planning Department, local Councillors, and other professionals who are obliged to protect your rights and interests.

This persistence has resulted in admissions from the Planning Department that the current structure has not been built to plan and that conditions set out in the original planning permission (back in 1996!) have been ignored.

Despite these admissions the Planning Department is refusing to take any action or apply any sanctions and we have had no support from Councillors. This fight for justice will continue.

In the meantimeUK DOCKS has now applied to the council to significantly expand the development with potential for more damaging consequences for the neighbourhood.

We strongly advise that you visit the planning portal at www.southtyneside.info/article/9015/Search-planning-applications

or go to the Town Hall to view the proposals. The planning reference is ST/0461/14/FUL

Reverse Side

Why should I be concerned?

The new proposals will:

• Create further traffic issues. We are already plagued by lorries and cranes blocking River Drive and by careless parking, this can only get worse;

• Create more noise, more often, both during construction and also once the site is fully operational;

• Create an increased risk of environmental contamination, both in the air and to watercourses. The owners have already failed to comply with a planning condition to fully enclose the shed and have let waste from ship cleaning drain directly into the River Tyne;

• Further compromise our visual amenity. Planning law does not allow us to complain about ‘the view’, although the view is clearly affected. However ‘development that adversely affects visual amenity’ can be challenged, if phrased this way.

• Affect property prices. Once again planning law does not recognise the potential adverse effect on property prices as a legitimate reason to challenge a planning application but be under no illusion this is a serious risk to the value of your home.

The owners of the yard have already demonstrated their willingness to disregard previous planning constraints and may well do so again and it appears we cannot expect the planning authorities to be even handed.

OK I’m concerned, what should I do?

The planning application is currently open for consultation, but time is running out. This is your only chance to express your views as a concerned resident.

Make your feelings known. Please don’t rely on others to pursue this. The more people who register an objection the more difficult it will be for the Council to ignore strong local feelings. Objections are not limited to one per household.

Register your objections as soon as you can. We only have until Friday 11 July to respond.

How do I register my views?

If you want to protect your rights as a resident and exercise your democratic right to protest you should:

• Make a formal objection to the Council. Set out your views in writing. Use your own words and let the authorities know how you feel. It would be best to challenge specific aspects of the proposals as well as the general principle that the development is inappropriate.

• Send your objection to the Planning Department either via the portal or by letter (see below).

• Copy in your local Councillor. They are your democratic representative and need to be aware of the strength of feeling.

• Ask for an acknowledgement that your objections or complaints have been received.

Useful addresses

Main planning portal: www.southtyneside.info/article/9015/Search-planning-applications (reference ST/0461/14/FUL)

Email your objections to: planningapplications@southtyneside.gov.uk

Or post to:  Planning Group, Town Hall and Civic Offices, Westoe Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2RL.