34 apartments at Queen Alexandra College, North Shields

What was proposed

The application sought 34 apartments, associated car parking and demolition of a modern single-storey link corridor.

“Proposal: Conversion of Grade II Listed Building into 34 apartments with associated car parking. Demolition of single storey modern link corridor to former college…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant Grade II listed former college includes buildings, a car park and planting in a mainly residential area.

“INIT 2.2 The site includes vacant buildings, a car park and small areas of planting. The building, which was constructed in 1909 as Tynemouth High School, is Grade II listed. A car park is located at the front of the site and is accessed from Hawkey’s Lane.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character with residential properties to the north and south on Queen Alexandra Road West and Appleby Park. There are further residential properties to the east, plus some commercial uses on the opposite side of Hawkey’s Lane.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Related applications concern listed building works and redevelopment of the wider former college site, with one permission pending a legal agreement.

“25/00864/LBC - Conversion of Grade II Listed Building into 34 apartments with associated car parking. Demolition of single storey modern link corridor to former college Not yet determined…”

“24/01627/FULM - Redevelopment of former Tynemet College site, including demolition of modern college buildings and construction of 47no. Dwellings and associated hard and soft landscaping works Not yet determined (Permission pending completion of S106 agreement)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would provide housing, reuse a vacant listed building, protect its future and avoid unacceptable effects.

“The proposal would secure the development of a currently vacant listed building, securing its long terms future and enhancing the character of the area. The less than significant harm to the rear elevation of the building is outweighed by the wider benefits of the development.”

“The proposal would avoid having an adverse impact upon neighbours and would provide an acceptable living environment for future occupiers.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor spoke in support, while the agent declined to address the committee but invited members’ questions.

What members considered

Members discussed heritage works, including ceilings and doors, biodiversity, and the benefits of securing the vacant listed building’s future.

“Modern ceilings would be removed, and original ceilings would be restored based and existing original doors would be maintained on following feedback from a Heritage Statement, • Biodiversity considerations, • The proposal would secure the development of a currently vacant listed…”

“Wednesday, 21 January 2026 building, securing its long-term future and enhancing the character of the area.”

Minutes

The vote

The chair proposed accepting the officer recommendation, and six members voted for it with none against.

“Based on the considerations of the Committee, the Chair proposed acceptance of the officer’s recommendation that the application be approved.”

“On being put to the vote, 6 members voted for the recommendation and 0 members voted against.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“Resolved that the application be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes