Stack planning extension challenged in High Court

An alliance of more than 100 Newcastle bars and pubs has filed a High Court challenge to extend Stack fanzone's planning permission to 2031.

St James Stack faces legal challenge as Newcastle pubs warn of serious risk

Newcastle City Council granted a five-year extension to the Stack fanzzone, extending its planning permission to 2031. The decision is being challenged by the NE1 Hospitality Group, which represents more than 100 bars and pubs in the city centre, via a High Court judicial review.

Proponents say Stack boosts the city profile and supports events like Sam Fender's shows, while critics warn it is diverting trade from other venues and threatening local jobs. Stack employs about 175 people, hosts more than 1,400 performances, and drew 35,000 attendees for Sam Fender's three gigs this summer.

The dispute shows how a single large venue can reshape a city's nightlife and economy. It tests whether planning decisions should favor event scale or the health of smaller operators.

There is a broader pattern of hospitality venues facing high costs and stiff competition. The case may push the council toward clearer balance rules or negotiated arrangements that protect local venues while allowing growth.

Highlights

The debate tests how Newcastle balances growth with the heartbeat of its nightlife