A battle over the future of a Cullercoats pub rumbles on after initial redevelopment plans were rejected.
Leisure giant, the Malhotra Group, applied to North Tyneside Council to demolish The Sandpiper pub and redevelop the site with 14 flats, a shop and a new wine bar. However, the proposals sparked some outrage from neighbours and councillors.
A total of 244 objections to the proposal were submitted on the council's website and a petition opposing the development amassed 788 signatures. North Tyneside Council's planning committee ultimately rejected the application in December 2022.
However, not satisfied with that decision, Malhotra is now appealing the refusal.
A spokesperson from Malhotra said: “The Malhotra Group PLC was disappointed with the outcome of the planning application for The Sandpiper and after careful consideration, we believe there was a case to submit an appeal. This is now with the planning inspectorate and will proceed through the appropriate channels.”
The appeal comes despite ward councillors emploring the group to respect the views of locals and the council's decision.
Labour Cullercoats councillor Willie Samuel said: "It is very disappointing that Malhotra has decided to appeal. I have invested a great deal of time trying to get them to listen and engage with the local community to no avail.
"The overwhelming view of the community is opposed to the proposal. The council has made its decision which will be defended. The central Government-appointed planning inspector intends to make a decision by reviewing written submissions rather than a further hearing. I will be asking them to respect the council’s decision and the community consensus that the development is unsuitable for that location."
Many residents feared the development, which could stand at 13.5 metres tall, would overshadow their homes, plunging them into darkness and potentially impacting energy costs.
Locals also believed the addition of 14 new homes and a shop would lead to traffic and parking chaos.
Steve Robinson, a Conservative hopeful for Cullercoats ward and campaigner against the development, said: "It is disappointing that the Malhotra Group has decided to appeal against the wishes of residents with this application. Over the coming months, I'll keep working to ensure residents can continue to oppose the plan and make their views known to the planning inspector.
"The fight will continue and like the building committee hearing, I won't rest until the residents are heard.
"They do not want this building and rather than ploughing on the Malhotra Group needs to engage with residents to find a solution that everyone is happy with."
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