- Planning authority
- South Tyneside Council
- Postcodes
- NE33, NE34
- Noon sun, 21 March
- About 35°
- Shadow from a 5 m eaves line
- About 7.1 m
- Planning plan
- Local Plan
- County
- Tyne and Wear
Before you decide in South Shields
When South Tyneside Council looks at a new home next to a bungalow, the first concern is usually height. A two-storey building among single-storey neighbours can overlook gardens and change the look of the road, so many schemes stay low or use rooms in the roof.
Light matters too. Under the 35° midday sun that South Shields sees on 21 March, an eaves line about 5 metres up throws a shadow close to 7.1 m long, while a bungalow’s lower eaves throw much less. Next door to a bungalow, that difference shows clearly in the garden.
How we’d take it forward in South Shields
After a free appraisal, we set out what could realistically fit on your South Shields plot: a home behind, a home beside, or a replacement scheme. You choose the route that suits you, whether that’s selling, partnering or having us build, and only then do we start on drawings and planning work. Nothing is spent on design until you’ve decided.
Free plot appraisal
We look at the plot’s width and depth, the access, the planning history nearby and the character of the street, then talk through what you want. It’s free, with no obligation, and a site visit follows if it looks viable.
Compare the options
We sketch what could realistically fit: a home behind, a home beside, or a replacement scheme. You see the trade-offs for each, including what happens to your own garden and parking, before choosing a route.
Choose your route
You can sell a plot and stay put, sell subject to planning, grant an option, enter a joint venture, or keep the land and have us design, get planning for and build a new home on it.
Sale or build
If you sell, your solicitor handles the transfer and any lender release. If we build, you receive a written quote after design and survey, and the new home is built and handed over to you.
Worth checking early
- Filling the gap beside a bungalow can change the look of the street, which councils weigh carefully.
- The order in which you sell the plot and the bungalow can affect your tax, so take advice first.
- Covenants on older estates can limit building, and resolving one takes time and may cost money.
Questions about garden plots in South Shields
Will South Tyneside Council allow a two-storey house next to bungalows in South Shields?
It depends on the street and the design. Councils are often cautious about two-storey homes among single-storey neighbours because of overlooking and the change to the street. Chalet designs with rooms in the roof are a common compromise, but the council decides.
Will neighbours in South Shields be able to object to a new home next to my bungalow?
They can comment on the planning application, and South Tyneside Council takes their views into account. They don’t have a veto. Designs that avoid overlooking and shadow usually draw fewer and weaker objections.
Is it worth replacing my bungalow in South Shields with more homes?
Sometimes, where the plot is large and the bungalow is dated or poorly placed. Replacement can fit more homes than building behind, but you would need to move out during the work. We compare both approaches for your plot during the appraisal.
Can I sell part of my bungalow garden in South Shields and stay living there?
Yes. You keep the bungalow and sell the land behind or beside it, with or without planning, subject to survey, title and contract. If the bungalow is mortgaged, the lender must agree to release the plot. Take tax advice before you sell.
Other options in South Shields
- Planning promotion for your garden plot
- Garden plot option agreement
- Sell part of your garden
- Large rear gardens
- Combine gardens with your neighbours
- Build a home for family in your garden

