Rebel's, a café and bar at Station Approach in East Boldon, has applied for retrospective planning permission to continue trading in the South Tyneside village. The application, submitted to the borough council's planning department, concerns the unit near East Boldon Metro Station.
Change of use from tool hire to drinking establishment
The business has sought permission to convert the unit from a tool hire premises into a "drinking establishment with expanded food provision". As the change of use has already taken place, retrospective planning permission is now being sought from council development chiefs.
An accompanying planning statement highlights that the venue has become "a key part of the community" and benefits from its proximity to local services and public transport links.
Six months of operation and economic benefits
The application noted the site has operated as a café and drinking establishment for six months, arguing there was "no evidence to suggest that this use is having a prejudicial impact upon any of the neighbouring uses".
Applicants stated the development had generated economic benefits by breathing new life into a redundant site and creating nine jobs. They also pointed out that the existing building retains an industrial character and submitted a report to demonstrate that there were no "sequentially preferable properties available" for the use.
Parking and transport considerations
While the site's ownership boundaries and current layout rule out the provision of off-street parking, applicants maintained the proposals would have a minimal impact on the surrounding road network. It was noted that restrictions relating to parking provision would apply to any use of the building, with customers being encouraged to make use of public transport.
The planning statement continues: "It has been evidenced that the proposal would provide a sustainable form of development in an accessible location."
"The development would also provide other important planning benefits including the recycling of a previously-developed site and the creation of a business with employment opportunities."
"The development also provides a local service for residents and visitors."
"The site is located within an accessible location in a well-established economic area, is walking distance from local services and accessible to public transport including bus services and Metro trains."
Decision pending after consultation
A ruling on the proposal is anticipated following a public consultation period. Further details are available on the council's planning portal website by searching for reference 260663.
