South Tyneside Council’s planning department has approved an application for the Boldon Entertainment leisure complex off Abingdon Way in the Boldon Colliery ward.
The leisure park sits adjacent to an Asda supermarket and is home to restaurants including McDonald’s and Nando’s, as well as the Cineworld multiplex cinema.
Applicant Raw Charging applied for permission earlier this year (2026) to install electric vehicle charging stations and associated infrastructure in part of the leisure complex’s car park.
Plans included the “installation of electric vehicle charging stations comprising charge point upstands [and] supporting electrical equipment including a substation and cabinet infrastructure.”
The proposed site includes a number of car parking spaces in the part of the leisure complex adjacent to Henley Way, and near the commercial unit which was last occupied by Tim Hortons.
A planning, design and access statement submitted with the plans states the development would “enhance existing infrastructure within the strategic road network by providing additional electric vehicle charging capacity to meet growing demand”.
It was noted that “EV charging facilities are essential infrastructure in supporting the transition to ultra-low-emission vehicles and play a critical role in helping to deliver the UK Government’s net zero carbon objectives for the transport sector”.
Supporting planning documents noted the development would include “electric vehicle charging bays with ultra-rapid (150kw+) charging points” and that the chargers would be “fully compatible with other electric vehicles with a standard European socket – expanding the public benefit to support the entire EV market”.
The number and type of chargers proposed, outlined in supporting planning documents, included six “HYC150 charging upstands”, three “AC chargers” and three “HYC50 charging upstands”.
A planning application confirmed that the final development would lead to the loss of a number of standard spaces from the car park and submitted layout plans showed around 24 EV charging spaces.
The applicant’s planning, design and access statement added the proposal was in line with both Government and council ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and “support the shift towards the use of electric vehicles.”
After considering the planning application, South Tyneside Council’s planning department approved it on February 26, 2026.
Council planners, in a decision report, said that planning guidance “encourages developers to consider providing charging facilities for electric vehicles within the parking areas of their developments”.
They said that “given [the] site’s use as parking for the surrounding businesses within Boldon Leisure Park, the proposal would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area”.
It was noted that the proposal would “have no significant adverse impact upon the visual amenity or highways safety of the area”.
Council planners added that “given the size of the existing car park, the loss of 13 car parking spaces to accommodate electric charging bays is considered to be acceptable”.
The council decision report adds: “It is considered that, in principle, the development for which planning permission is sought is acceptable and would not result in any material harm to the various considerations set out above, subject to the suggested conditions.
“As a result, it is considered that the development complies with relevant local and national planning policy and guidance. Consequently, this application is recommended for approval.”
Under planning conditions, the development must be brought forward within three years.
For more information on the plan and council decision, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 250795
