Derelict Sunderland site set for transformation into vibrant housing complex

A city centre site, previously described as a "blot on the landscape", is set for a major transformation into a housing development, following a decision by Sunderland councillors. The Planning and Highways Committee of Sunderland City Council gave their approval at a meeting this week for an application concerning a site at Egerton Street in the city’s Hendon ward.

The overgrown site, located at the junction with Toward Road near an entrance to Mowbray Park and the Grade II-listed park lodge, has been earmarked for redevelopment. Fielding Park Projects submitted plans last year to rejuvenate the derelict Hendon site by building six townhouses and 16 apartments, complete with associated parking and landscaping.

According to planning documents, the proposed townhouses will be built "fronting onto Toward Road", each featuring three bedrooms and undercroft parking. In addition, apartments will be housed in a large block behind the King’s Castle Church, offering undercroft ground floor level parking and a mix of two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.

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The developers have stated that around 15% of the dwellings in the scheme will be affordable, divided between ‘affordable rent’ and ‘intermediate tenure’. The plans received unanimous support from the Planning and Highways Committee when put to a vote at a meeting on Monday, November 25, at City Hall.

Several councillors on the panel expressed their approval of the planned regeneration of the overgrown and derelict site.

Councillor Martyn Herron said: "I'm very familiar with the site, I've walked that road many times in my life and grew up not very far away and I have always thought it's a shame that somewhere with such a nice view of the park was empty and derelict.

"I think it's great that it's going to come back to life and that it's going to be part of the plan to get people back into the city centre. I will be wholeheartedly supporting this and I look forward to seeing the bushes and fences come down and seeing the buildings go up."

Councillor Michael Dixon added: "I was on the committee when this was discussed many many years ago and I would like to commend the officers for their patience. It has been a blot on the landscape for such a long time and like Cllr Herron, I would be very pleased to support it and look forward to the day when it is complete."

However, Councillor Andrew Wood, while supporting the scheme, voiced concerns about the development being located on a "very busy road" and the potential difficulties for residents to "get in and out, especially on a match day". He added, "It tends to be a rush for people to get in and out when the city is hosting events. Accessing Toward Road can be very difficult, it might be solved by changing the lights but I hope that has been a consideration and that something can be done about it."

A design and access statement from developers detailed the history of the site, which once housed a saw pit and laundry building, then warehouses and a motor works, before sitting vacant for almost 20 years. The developers, in their supporting planning documents.

The proposed housing plans have been touted to significantly improve the "unkempt" site, with promises of making a "positive contribution" to Hendon's existing housing stock. According to planning documents, the development will feature "enhanced scrub, shrub planting, native hedges and well-landscaped frontages" aimed at "softening" the visual impact of parking areas.

Additionally, new tree planting is on the agenda to "mitigate the loss of existing trees – which are proposed to be removed to enable development or due to pre-existing damage from historical fly tipping". Access to the new development would utilise an existing but currently unused vehicular access on Toward Road, located at the northern end of the site, and ample on-site parking is to be provided.

A heritage statement submitted alongside the planning application has detailed measures to minimise impacts on nearby listed buildings and the Grade II-listed Mowbray Park, including "high-quality design, alongside sensitively selected materials to create a sympathetic yet contemporary addition to the setting of the listed assets". The green light for the project hinges on the completion of a section 106 legal agreement, which is a routine part of the planning process that ensures developers contribute financially to counterbalance the effects of their projects, such as funding for new homes.

For the Hendon housing scheme, council planners are aiming to secure £61,754 towards primary school places and £12,257 towards habitat restoration.

The development is subject to various conditions, including a financial contribution of £7,231 to enhance open spaces in Hendon ward, as well as other payments. These include £15,488 for children's play areas, £1,800 for allotment improvements, and £18,000 to ensure the development achieves a "biodiversity net gain".

Additionally, 15% of the 22 units will be designated as affordable housing. The development must commence within three years of receiving planning permission. Further details can be found on Sunderland City Council's planning portal website, reference: 22/00931/FUL.