Vistry submits resi plans for Sheepfolds
The housebuilder is looking to deliver 102 homes on land to the south of the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy, forming the first residential element of the wider mixed-use neighbourhood in Sunderland.
The application follows the granting of hybrid planning consent for the wider Sheepfolds masterplan and comes after Vistry finalised a development agreement with Sunderland City Council, having been appointed as development partner in 2025.
The homes will sit alongside the planned Sheepfolds Mobility Hub, for which Sunderland City Council is expected to submit a separate reserved matters application later this summer.
The wider regeneration project will ultimately deliver around 350 mixed-tenure homes across the brownfield site, alongside commercial space and supporting infrastructure.
This was recently reduced from an originally proposed 600, following a dispute with Sunderland AFC who objected to housing being placed so close to the stadium that it would have prevented future expansion by the club.
This dispute was resolved in April, with land previously designated for housing now earmarked for offices, a buffer zone, and an aparthotel.
Vistry is expected to begin detailed design work on subsequent phases following the demolition of the former Edward Thompson Printworks, which is scheduled to begin shortly.
Sheepfolds forms a key part of the wider Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme, which is transforming land on both sides of the River Wear through the delivery of new homes, employment space and leisure destinations.
Sheepfolds is the largest of four residential communities being created at Riverside Sunderland, which will see 1,000 new city centre homes along the riverbanks.
Vistry’s Sheepfolds scheme comprises a mix of townhouses, duplexes, and apartments on land between St Peter’s Metro Station and the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy, which opened last year and delivers training on modern methods of construction.
Sean Egan, regional managing director of Vistry North East, said: “This landmark development is going to play a key role in supporting the continuing growth and transformation of Sunderland.
“Working in partnership with Sunderland City Council, we’ve developed an exciting proposal for the wider scheme which will deliver high-quality homes in a mix of housing tenures.
“The first phase of 102 homes will contribute positively to the city and its evolving riverside, and we’re excited that the planning application has been submitted and the proposals can be shared with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders.”
Cllr James Jackson, cabinet member for business housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “Repopulating the city centre is an important aim of the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, and this new community – which will deliver hundreds of new homes – will boost the whole area, bringing footfall by day and night, supporting our local traders and ensuring the heart of the city is a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and play.”
