Plans to convert the former Redburn Pub into a gas station stir up trouble

The Redburn Public House closed its doors for the last time in January of this year. Plans have now been put before North Tyneside Council to demolish the former pub and replace it with a petrol station.

However, some local residents are outraged by the prospect and 160 locals have already signed a petition against the plans.

The pub’s neighbors, Christine and Tony Paolozzi from Brackley Grove, started the petition because they believe a new service station would create traffic chaos and increase anti-social behaviour.

Christine said: “It’s going to be a nightmare. Why couldn’t they build some apartments there or something, it’s a residential area? This is a pretty little grove.

“There is only one way to the gas station and the traffic at the end of the lane will be devastating for us. And then the kids go to school.

“And then there are the children who go to the supermarket 24 hours a day. We already have a service station in Chirton, we don’t need another one.”

Documents submitted to the council by the applicant, Eston Service Station Ltd., indicate that the development will benefit residents and improve the community.

A document states: “The site currently contains a vacant, non-viable public house and a number of unfinished buildings. The proposed change will visually enhance the location and the modern environmental facilities will meet the needs of the modern motorist.

“The development will make optimal use of the land and create local jobs for four full-time and ten part-time employees. We assume that the development will not have unacceptable consequences for the environment, community or other public interests.”

The applicant’s documents also detailed how the gas station and store will prevent antisocial behavior and crime.

Measures include internal and external video surveillance, steel crash protection posts and control of the main door from the counter, complete with a lockout switch.