Housing plans near Stadium of Light scrapped for commercial use
Revised proposals to be discussed this month would reduce housing on the Sheepfolds site, after Sunderland AFC warned it could restrict the club’s future expansion.
Originally, Sunderland City Council submitted plans for up to 600 homes on brownfield land behind the South Stand, some as close as 23 metres from the stadium.
In August last year, Sunderland AFC formally objected to the plans, which owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said could have “catastrophic operational consequences” for the Premier League club.
The stadium currently has 49,000 capacity, with the club exploring a redevelopment of the South Stand. It believed the council’s plans would encroach on its territory and venture into a formerly agreed buffer zone, noting the stadium could potentially hold 63,000 people.
Following the row, the council resubmitted revised plans in February, with the main changes being a reduction in the number of housing units from 600 to 456, removing them completely from Plot 1 – the closest plot facing the stadium – and replacing that with a buffer zone, offices, and an aparthotel.
Vistry was chosen by the council to lead on the delivery of the housing, working alongside architect FaulknerBrowns and planners Fairhurst.
The updated hybrid planning application again seeks approval for site access only, with all other details reserved for later consideration and includes full planning permission to demolish 38 industrial units (some already demolished) and carry out enabling works to support development on Plots 4 and 5.
It also seeks outline permission for a phased development that could deliver up to 456 homes, along with an aparthotel and a mobility hub.
In addition, the scheme now includes:
- Up to 70,600 sq ft of office space – compared to 20,000 sq ft previously
- Up to 9,500 sq ft for a mix of uses, such as financial and professional services, healthcare facilities, and a nursery or day centre
Subject to outline consent at the council’s meeting on 23 April, a reserved matters application for phase one for around 100 homes will be submitted in May, with Vistry hoping to start on site by the end of the year.
A statement from the council confirming submission of the new revised plan said: “The new proposals are the result of weeks of consultation and partnership working with partners including Sunderland AFC, with adjustments made to designs that will safeguard ongoing operations at the Stadium of Light and ensure any future expansion is not restricted.”
A statement from SAFC said they “look forward to seeing the proposals progress through the planning process”.
Sheepfolds will be the most populous of four residential communities being created at Riverside Sunderland, which will see 1,000 new city centre homes, alongside new commercial and community spaces.
Riverside Sunderland is being built on 80 acres of brownfield land spanning the River Wear, aiming to double the resident population of the city centre from 2,500 to 5,000.
