A Conservative councillor from North Tyneside Council has called for a legal challenge to the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to approve plans for a 24-hour Admiral AGC in the town’s Collingwood Centre, after the authority had initially refused the proposal.

Councillor John Johnson wrote to the Mayor of North Tyneside outlining “significant concerns” he believes were overlooked by the Inspectorate, as well as the 128 objections submitted via the council’s online planning portal.

“This decision has caused significant concern for the ward and the wider area,” wrote Johnson. “The council originally refused the application on clear and reasonable grounds relating to its impact on the area, community safety, and the wider regeneration of North Shields.”

“There are also particular concerns about the suitability of the location, given its close proximity to schools and to residential properties. The inspector’s ruling appears to give insufficient weight to these issues and to establish local policy.”

In his letter, Johnson requested the Mayor ask officers to “1.) seek immediate legal advice on whether they are found to challenge the inspector’s decision, including the option of Judicial Review.”

“2.) Review whether the appeal process properly considered the council’s planning policies and the evidence submitted in support of the refusal. 3.) Report back to elected members as soon as possible with the legal five, the options available, and the implications of pursuing a challenge.”