Plans for new facilities along the seafront at South Shields, including beach huts and “retail pods”, have been submitted to borough development chiefs.

South Tyneside Council has submitted an application to its own planning department for a new development at South Promenade, Sea Road.

The proposed site, which sits adjacent to the Sand Dancer pub and near the Colmans Seafood Temple, is the former site of the Frankie’s Ritz Café which was demolished decades ago.

New plans are seeking outline planning permission for a range of physical structures including beach huts and small commercial pods, as well as hard and soft landscaping.

A design and access statement notes the site could accommodate 18 beach huts, six retail pods, two toilets, an associated office, a waste store and a Changing Places accessible facility.

Project bosses say the regeneration scheme aims to “revitalise this previously developed site” and to “enhance the foreshore coastline as a
destination of choice”.

The design and access statement adds: “ It aims to offer an additional ‘coastal hub’ for both tourists and residents, serving as a family-friendly beach destination.

“The design prioritises user accessibility for both the proposed development and the adjacent land.

“This initiative seeks to foster collaboration between local traders, start-ups, and the broader community, creating a year-round attraction.

“The beach huts will be available for daily rental, catering to visitors of the region.

“Concurrently, the retail pods will be offered for hire/lease, providing local entrepreneurs with the opportunity to establish seasonal pop-up shops for tourists.

“It’s important to note that this development is currently seeking outline planning permission with all matters reserved for subsequent approval”.

A planning statement also submitted to council officials noted the development would “enhance the natural and built environment, infrastructure and range and quality of attractions along the foreshore”.

Those behind the scheme added that commercial pods could be used for “beach activity shops, the sale of tourism related goods (jewellery, handicrafts, art displays), local group meetings, or food and drink”.

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The overall aim of the scheme, according to applicants, is to “improve the South Tyneside experience and hopefully encourage people to return and / or stay for longer”.

A decision on the planning application will be made once a period of council consultation has concluded.

Comments can be made on the plans until October 20, 2023, via South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website.

For more information on the planning application or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal and search reference: ST/0689/23/OUT