New demolition plans submitted for Sunderland's Sheepfolds Industrial Estate

New demolition plan for building at Sheepfolds Industrial Estate
-Credit: (Image: Google)


Sunderland City Council has received fresh proposals to tear down another building at the Sheepfolds Industrial Estate, furthering their city centre revival scheme.

Plans lodged with the council's planning department call for demolition of a site within the industrial estate, which follows a series of approved plans in recent months, as part of ambitious regeneration for the Sheepfolds vicinity.

The Sheepfolds area has seen significant development recently, including the stylish Sheepfolds Stables hospitality venue that boasts new eateries. Further enhancements for the public space are on the cards, alongside grand designs for an extensive housing project.

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A bold vision by council leaders aims to connect the Sheepfolds district with the Stadium of Light, through a mooted bridge spanning the river Wear, and enhance the locale to echo the famed "Wembley Way" in Sunderland.

Demolitions carried out so far include various factory units and a former fish and chip shop, along with premises previously associated with the print business Edward Thompson, in addition to suggested teardowns on Stobart Street and Hay Street.

The Wilson Street North structure is the latest earmarked for razing under the council's grand renewal strategy, with a decision expected from council planners soon.

Documents attached to the application refer to the edifice as "the Mini Place Edward Thompson site" and "former Ed Thompson maintenance".

Pending green light from the authorities, demolition could initiate on January 1, 2025, and would be estimated to last around one.

The planning application outlines the site as a 'single-storey open plan garage area' and states that the proposed demolition is part of "redevelopment and regeneration" efforts. The document further adds: "A timber birdsmouth fence is to be erected to the perimeter of the site to prevent unauthorised access. All footpaths to the perimeter of the site will be made good to highway standards, with foundations and brickwork being retained, where required, to ensure the footpaths and highways remain structurally stable. Any voids within the site [will] be backfilled and compacted with site won contaminate free hardcore".

As part of the ongoing transformation of the Sheepfolds area, phased demolition has been taking place with several planning applications approved in recent months to demolish old factory units and industrial units. In a previous update to city councillors, council development chiefs stated that businesses based at the industrial estate were being supported to relocate as demolition and public realm works progress.

The decision on the demolition plans for the Mini Place at Wilson Street North will be made after a period of council consultation. Sunderland City Council’s planning department has set a decision deadline of December 3, 2024.

For more information on the application or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 24/02263/DEM.