A decision is due to be made later this month on outline plans for a 450-home development which have been revised following concerns from Sunderland AFC chiefs.
Proposals were initially submitted last year by Sunderland City Council to its own planning department for the land at Sheepfolds Industrial Estate, which is earmarked for major transformation under regeneration plans.
In August, SAFC owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus confirmed the club was lodging a formal objection to the original plans which he said could have “catastrophic operational consequences” for the club and the Stadium of Light.
The ground was built with scope to extend the stadium to a potential 63,000 capacity by extending the top tier around the entire bowl and the club have already submitted a pre-application notification for re-development and extension of the South Stand.
An impression of the Sheepfolds area once complete. Sunderland City Councilplaceholder image
An impression of the Sheepfolds area once complete. Sunderland City Council
Hundreds of objections were also lodged by residents over the application.
A statement from SAFC said they “look forward to seeing the proposals progress through the planning process”.
At the latest meeting of the city council’s economic prosperity scrutiny committee an update was given on when a decision will be made on the proposals.
CGI image showing how the new residential area at Sheepfolds could look. Credit CREO / SCCplaceholder image
CGI image showing how the new residential area at Sheepfolds could look. Credit CREO / SCC
Neil Guthrie, council director of development and property, said the application, which includes outline permission for a site masterplan featuring 450 homes, is “due to be determined by the planning committee on the 23rd of April”.
The proposals also include consent for a programme of site remediation work.
He added subject to the outline consent being granted a more detailed reserved matters application to allow construction of phase one of the residential development, which would provide more than 100 homes, is expected to be submitted in May.
This would be delivered by Vistry Group and would be on land immediately to the south of the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy.
Meanwhile, in the south east corner of the Sheepfolds site, the council is developing proposals for a new mobility hub featuring car parking, EV charging, cycle storage and other services.
Mr Guthrie added designs are being finalised and a planning application for that is again due in May.
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