Resi row kicks off in Sunderland
A difference in opinion over the benefit of housing next to the Stadium of Light has the city’s football club and council at loggerheads.
Sunderland AFC is planning to object to the council’s recently submitted plans for up to 600 homes on brownfield land behind the South Stand, some as close as 23 metres from the stadium, on the basis that it would leave the club unable to expand in the future.
The stadium currently has 49,000 capacity and is used to host music concerts and senior football international matches.
Recently the club has been exploring a redevelopment of the South Stand, and it believes the council’s plans would encroach on its territory and venture into a formerly agreed buffer zone.
The council is looking to build up to 600 apartments and townhouses at the former industrial estate, in what will be the most populous area of the Riverside Sunderland scheme.
Vistry was chosen to lead on the delivery of the housing in May, working alongside architect FaulknerBrowns and planners Fairhurst.
As well as housing, around 19,000 sq ft of commercial and community spaces will be provided.
Full planning permission with specifics is expected to be submitted by the council and Vistry soon, however this latest development may cause a delay.
The former club chair, Sir Bob Murray, who helped oversee the Stadium of Light’s construction, said: “This is not just poor planning, it’s a disgrace. You don’t strangle your greatest asset and call it progress…
“I helped shape [buffer zone] protections. The council agreed them, and now they’ve torn them up. I’m aware the club will formally object and I fully support their position.
“The council’s plans are shameful, shortsighted and completely unacceptable. There’s been no real consultation, no transparency and no accountability.
“The council is trying to rewrite its own rules behind closed doors – and in doing so it risks sabotaging a major driver of jobs, pride and regeneration for ever.”
“This isn’t just about football, it’s about Sunderland’s identity, investment and ambition. If this plan goes ahead the city will regret it for decades.”
Responding today, Sunderland City Council’s chief executive, Patrick Melia, told Place North East: “As we have made clear – through our statement yesterday and our actions and investments over recent years – we are very much invested in the future of the Stadium of Light and recognise it as a key asset for the city.
It is our view that the proposals set out for the Sheepfolds neighbourhoods will improve operations and fan experience in terms of matchdays and other events, and we remain committed to working with SAFC in relation to their plans for the expansion of the Stadium of Light – we have held many discussions with Mr Louis-Dreyfus and his team to this effect.
“This consultation process provides a real opportunity for the public and stakeholders to share their thoughts with us as the Local Planning Authority, and we will consider all views and comments prior to determination of the application.”
Initially addressing the issue on Tuesday, Melia’s statement said: “We have held extensive discussions with Sir Bob Murray in relation to this development, and we have acknowledged his comments made over recent months.
“Robust assurances have been given that the proposed Sheepfolds development, as set out here, will not impact on any planned future expansion of the Stadium of Light or in its ability to host matches, concerts or other events.
“The current planning application for Sheepfolds is subject to a rigorous statutory planning process, including extensive public and stakeholder consultation, as would be any application for expansion of the stadium.
“The council has sought specialist support and expertise in developing the proposals that are currently out for consultation. This is because we very much recognise the importance of the Stadium of Light as an asset for the city, residents and all visitors.”
“Our recognition, commitment and support for the stadium is all further evidenced by recent investments the City Council has been making with digital connectivity to improve the fan experience and investments in car parking facilities to help logistics for matches and major events.
“A key, if not central support, for this council and the city’s commitment to the stadium is, of course, the Keel Crossing bridge and this new connection to the city centre.”
