South Tyneside’s Labour-led council has suffered yet another setback after the borough’s proposed Local Plan was rejected for the second time. The Green Group, joined by the South Tyneside Alliance, Labour councillor Geraldine Kilgour, and Independent councillor Phil Brown, voted against the plan, citing major concerns about environmental sustainability, democratic transparency, and housing infrastructure.
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held at South Shields Town Hall on Thursday saw councillors debate and vote on the controversial Local Plan, which provides the strategic framework for development across the borough. Despite Labour holding the majority, the plan was resubmitted without amendments after its initial rejection in September 2024 – a move widely criticized as undemocratic.
Why Was the Plan Rejected Again?
Local councillors and residents have raised serious concerns about the plan’s failure to reflect community interests. Key issues include:
- Green Belt Development: Loss of protected land, especially in Felgate.
- Infrastructure Shortfalls: Insufficient planning for roads, schools, and healthcare to support new housing developments.
- Environmental Neglect: Weak sustainability policies and inadequate climate resilience measures.
- Housing Policy Failures: Unrealistic growth targets that do not align with South Tyneside’s declining population.
- Lack of HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Regulations: No clear framework to manage overdevelopment of rental properties.
- Failure to Meet Sport England Standards: Gaps in provision for community sports and recreational spaces.
Green Group Calls for a Fresh Start
Shirley Ford, Deputy Leader of the South Tyneside Green Group, criticized the Labour administration for ignoring the concerns raised in September’s rejection.
“In September, elected councillors spoke for their communities and rejected this flawed Local Plan. Instead of going back to the drawing board, we were told we must accept this unchanged version. That is not how democracy works.”
Councillor Chris Davies (Biddick and All Saints) reinforced the Green Group’s commitment to delivering a Local Plan that works for residents, not against them.
“This plan was deeply flawed from the outset. We need a plan that safeguards our green spaces, ensures strong infrastructure investment, and meets genuine affordable housing needs—not one that prioritizes unchecked development at the expense of local communities.”
What Happens Next?
With the Local Plan now defeated for a second time, South Tyneside Council must return to the drawing board. However, new national legislation on Local Plans, a new plan must be submitted by December 2026.
The South Tyneside Green Party sees this as an opportunity to push for a more ambitious and sustainable vision for the borough.
“Rejecting this plan is not an invitation to chaos, as Labour claims. A bad plan guarantees injustice—we now have the chance to build a better one. We urge the council to start listening and work with communities to shape a fair, just, and sustainable future for South Tyneside.” – Shirley Ford
The Green Group has pledged to continue advocating for residents, ensuring that any new Local Plan puts people and the environment first.