Beach hut and retail pod plans approved
South Tyneside Council/Ryder Architecture LimitedPlans to progress a seafront leisure development have been approved by a local authority.
The proposals for the South Shields site, submitted by Colmans Caterers Ltd last year, include beach huts, retail pods and toilets on South Promenade, by the Sand Dancer pub and Colmans Seafood Temple.
Police raised concerns over safety and recommended changes to the layout, as well as installing lights and locks on the huts.
South Tyneside Council planners said the development would "enhance and contribute to the visitor attraction offering" and approved the reserved matters application.
Developers said the beach huts would be available for daily rental, while the retail pods would be offered for hire.
They said the development "seeks to foster collaboration between local traders, start-ups, and the broader community, creating a year-round attraction".
Floor plans include 20 beach huts, 10 retail pods, toilets, offices and a foot wash area.
GoogleA council report confirmed there were no highways objections and vehicles could access the site from Sea Road, through South Promenade Car Park.
No extra car parking is proposed but planners said there was "ample parking space" nearby.
The report said its appearance would be in keeping with the seafront location.
Police recommendations
However, Northumbria Police raised safety concerns and recommended changes to the layout, as well as installing lighting and locks on the huts, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The council report said police had suggested that the site was secured by an enclosure in order to deter crime when not operational.
"Furthermore it is noted that the development may operate in hours of darkness and as such a scheme of lighting is considered necessary to facilitate safe operation," it said.
As part of the planning process, a further reserved matters application outlining the final details and design of the scheme is needed before the development can start.
Under planning conditions, the development must take place "not later than two years from the date" of the reserved matters planning permission being granted.
