Approval nears for £98m Sunderland scheme

Up to 800 homes could be built in Sunderland as part of a £98m mixed-use scheme, with councillors recommended to approve the proposals next week. The project, which also includes retail space, would be expected to support up to 1,300 jobs.Barratt Homes is behind the application, details of which were revealed earlier this year.The hybrid proposals comprise two elements; full and outline.The former would be made up of 304 homes on land once occupied by the former Cherry Knowle Hospital, including 53 two-, 92 three-, 126 four- and 33 five-bedroom properties.Sunderland City Council identified the earmarked site as a “key part” of the South Sunderland Growth Area, and was once highlighted by Prince Charles when he wrote to the government urging them to redevelop the disused space.The outline phase accounts for the bulk of the masterplan and proposes 416 homes and an 80-bed care village.Also included is up to 7,500 sq ft of commercial space with uses likely to include shops, professional services, restaurants and takeaways.A report to Sunderland City Council’s planning committee said the project would cost about £98m, while the development of 80 homes would likely generate an additional spend of £14.7m. Barratt Homes also believes the scheme would support 1,300 jobs.The same study stated that “it is not considered” that the proposal would result in a significant environmental impact.As such, the plans look set to be approved on 6 June.