Have your say on planning policy
Call for Sites
We carried out a Call for Sites from 26 August to 23 October 2022.
This was an opportunity for anyone to tell us their views on the future use of land and buildings in the Borough. Where sites may no longer be required for their current use and could become available for development or redevelopment, we asked you to tell us.
This process sought to ensure that we have up-to-date evidence of the availability and potential development sites across the borough.
The consultation was hosted through an online digital portal, Placemaker, to help deliver an easier, more efficient and transparent service for landowners and communities which allowed users to submit proposed sites and supporting information directly.
All consultees on the Local Plan consultation database were notified about the consultation by letter or email, and the consultation was publicised on the Council's Twitter and LinkedIn pages.
Submitted sites were assessed for their suitability, availability, and achievability, in accordance with National Planning Practice Guidance. These assessments considered constraints which may prevent or limit development, legal or ownership issues, and the economic viability of the proposed development.
Our assessments of each site are now available to view on Placemaker (opens new window) .
The key findings of the Call for Sites are that:
93 sites were submitted, 78 of which were for residential or employment uses. 40 sites submitted were wholly or in part comprised of greenfield (undeveloped) land in the Green Belt and so would not be suitable for residential or employment development, but may be suitable for natural environment uses such as tree planting or biodiversity offsetting.
32 sites were assessed as suitable for a range of development, including residential/employment, renewable and low carbon, visitor and leisure, or natural environment development, subject to details of any proposed development and assessment of on-site constraints.
Biodiversity SPD: Scoping Report
Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland Councils are working together to prepare a Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document.
The Scoping Report, prepared by Gateshead and South Tyneside Councils, represents the first stage in the process of developing an SPD and will provide feedback on what should be included in the SPD. The Biodiversity SPD Scoping Report sets out options regarding the potential scope of the SPD, including; biodiversity information and impact assessments required to support planning proposals, biodiversity net gains and the Defra metric, the importance of existing nature conservation features, wildlife corridors, Environment Act requirements, and monitoring, management and maintenance of ecological mitigation.
Comments from residents of both Gateshead and South Tyneside are welcome on the Scoping Report.
Consultation on the Biodiversity SPD: Scoping Report has now ended. We are reviewing your comments and will publish a Consultation Report setting out the Councils' response.
The SPD can be viewed on the Council website at or by prior appointment at the Civic Centre as detailed below. Comments should be made in writing to ldf@gateshead.gov.uk or to the address below.
Documents can be viewed at:
Gateshead Council, Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH
(Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 4.30pm)
To view a paper version of the documents at the Civic Centre an appointment must be made due to social distancing requirements. To make an appointment to view the documents please 01914333415 or email ldf@gateshead.gov.uk.
If you have any queries please email us at ldf@gateshead.gov.uk
Biodiversity SPD: Scoping Report (PDF) [1MB] (opens new window)