Signage approved for Starbucks drive-thru despite safety concerns

Plans for a new Starbucks drive-thru development near South Shields Town Hall have taken a key step forward, following a decision by council planning chiefs.

- by Chris Binding

South Tyneside Council's planning department has approved an application for new signage at the development under construction off Claypath Lane and Crossgate in South Shields.

The town centre site once housed an office block which was later demolished, and the land was left vacant for several years.

Back in 2023, the council's planning department approved plans for business units and a Starbucks drive-thru on the site, despite traffic and air pollution concerns from objectors.

During a council consultation exercise on the plans, eight objections were received with the majority linked to parents of children who attend St Bede's Catholic Primary and Nursery School.

Concerns included the suitability of the site for the development, increased traffic and footfall, noise disruption and potential child safeguarding issues for the school.