Jarrow c-store given green light for new cafe

Building alterations to make way for a new cafe at a Jarrow convenience store have been given the green light.

In recent months, a planning application was lodged with South Tyneside Council for the Nisa Local at 152 Calf Close Lane.

A previous application lodged in 2020 confirmed no planning permission was required to change the use of the existing ancillary garage into a cafe.

However new plans to change the external appearance of the garage, including a new shopfront and single storey rear extension, required a decision from planning bosses.

The proposed works to create the cafe were considered by South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee on 21 June at South Shields Town Hall.

Committee members were told the plans had been called in for decision at the request of Fellgate and Hedworth ward member, Councillor Geraldine Kilgour.

According to a committee report, Cllr Kilgour considered the proposal to have “wide ranging potential impacts” including traffic and “general impact upon outlook and enjoyment.”

But the report from planners, recommending the scheme for approval, said the proposed building changes complied with all relevant local and national planning policies.

The committee report reads: “The design of the proposed development would respect the character of the area and would not be materially detrimental to the visual amenities of the area.

“It is considered that the proposed development would not be materially detrimental to the residential amenities of the occupants of nearby residential properties.

“It is considered that the proposed access and parking arrangements are acceptable and the proposed development would not be detrimental to highway safety.”

Following a presentation from planners, councillors on the Planning Committee voted to approve the planning application.

According to planning documents the new shopfront will consist of a window and a doorway and the rear extension will have a flat roof and roller shutter door.

Under planning conditions, work must be brought forward within the next three years.