Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Closes 24 Apr 2026

Policy SP5: Former Brinkburn Comprehensive School

Main Modification Reference MM-05

Local Plan page number Policy or paragraph Local Plan Proposed Change Justification
43 SP5: Criterion 1

1. Development proposals for this site will be expected to deliver: 
i. Approximately 151 residential units; 
ii. Facilities for community provision; 
and to [added]
iii. Enhancement of any onsite playing fields that are retained or re-provided at the site. [removed] Retain as much of the existing playing fields provision as possible subject to i. and ii. above and any other on-site requirements in accordance with other policies in the Plan; and [added]
iv. Enhance the retained playing field provision. [added]

Effective

Consistency with national policy

43 SP5: Criterion 2

2. The loss of playing field land shall be mitigated [removed] replaced [added] in accordance with an agreed mitigation strategy. 

Consistency with national policy
44 SP5: Paragraph 5.10

The former Brinkburn comprehensive school site currently includes a large area of playing field land which supports a number of sports teams. Proposals should include provision of 1 full size adult sports pitch and MUGA provision as part of any new community facilities provided onsite. [added] see to retain some playing field land on site and seek to improve playing pitch facilities to continue sporting use on the site. [removed] Consideration should be given to the latest Playing Pitch Study and discussions with Sport England are encouraged to [removed] in determining the layout and type of playing pitches to be retained onsite. 

Effective

44 SP5: Paragraph 5.11

Playing field land which is lost to development and not retained or provided on site [addedshould be fully mitigated [removed] replaced [added] through an agreed mitigation strategy and informed by the most up to date Playing Pitch Strategy. As identified in the South Tyneside Playing Pitch Strategy & Action Plan (2024), the replacement of lost playing field land may also result in qualitative enhancements to lapsed or existing pitch provision.  The Playing Pitch Strategy identifies that Temple Memorial Park could provide opportunities to replace playing field land lost through development at Brinkburn Comprehensive School. It is expected that this could result in areas previously used as playing pitches being brought back into use and/ or new pitch provision provided on areas previously unused for playing pitches. [added]

Consistency with national policy

Effective

 

What to consider when making a representation

What are the tests of soundness and legal compliance?  

The purpose of the examination is to consider whether the local plan complies with relevant legal requirements for producing local plans, including the duty to cooperate, and meets the national tests of ‘soundness’ for local plans set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Therefore, representations submitted at this stage must only be made on these grounds and, where relevant, be supported with evidence to demonstrate why these tests have not been met.

Legal compliance

To be legally compliant the plan has to be prepared in accordance with the duty to cooperate and legal and procedural requirements, including the 2011 Localism Act and Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

Soundness

The inspector conducting the examination in public has to be satisfied that the local plan is ‘sound’; namely that it is:

• Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development.

• Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence.

• Effective – the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities, and

• Consistent with national policy – the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the NPPF.

21. Does this modification make the Plan legally compliant?
22. Does this modification make the Plan sound?
23. If you think it is not sound tell us which test(s) it fails.
24. Please provide a justification for your responses. If you need to submit material in PDF format then please email this to local.plan@southtyneside.gov.uk making sure your name is clearly stated.
25. What appropriate change is needed? If you think the wording should be different set out the precise change you want the Inspector to recommend.