One of the last major residential development sites in a sought after South Tyneside conservation area has come onto the market.The site at Bank Top Garage, West Boldon is in a prominent position within this popular village, and comes complete with detailed planning consent for 10 townhouses and 7 apartments.

“This is an ideal development site and possibly the last that will become available within this sought after, semi-rural residential location,” says Tim Rodgers of Naylors Chartered Surveyors who is handling the sale. “It offers many advantages and we believe it will be of great interest to either a local developer or one of the region’s major builders.”

The 0.7 acre site, on the corner of the A184 Addison Road and Hylton Lane, comprises single and two storey car showrooms and workshops with external hard standing forecourt, together with the Green Meadows bungalow at rear.

It is immediately adjacent to a prestigious residential development undertaken by Glendale, is within walking distance of Boldon Golf Club and Lawn Tennis Club and has the benefit of elevated views across open farmland.

A petrol garage since the 1950s, Bank Top most recently operated as a Suzuki franchise before finally closing its doors in November 2005. Since that time it has remained unoccupied while planning permission was sought, in consultation with the local residents.

Detailed planning consent has subsequently been granted by South Tyneside MBC for a residential development comprising 10 three-bedroom houses and 7 two-bedroom apartments, together with 25 car parking spaces in a private landscaped courtyard to the rear. The site is held in freehold with full vacant possession on completion.

The medieval village of West Boldon, which is a conservation area, lies almost halfway between Sunderland and Newcastle, close to the A19 and A1(M) and boasts excellent transport links and good local amenities. These include a village shop and post office, several pubs and restaurants, a hotel, 24-hour Adsa store and a muliplex cinema.

Local businessman Mr. Christopher Head, owner of West Boldon Post Office and Village Store, said, “Bank Top Garage has been closed for a number of years and the boarded-up buildings have become a blot on the landscape. I, like most residents, am eager to see a new buyer demolish this eyesore and replace it with something that is both aesthetically pleasing and more in keeping with the rest of the village.”