Plans approved for new 'heritage and eco-country park' at Sunderland's former Elemore Golf Course site

In recent years, Sunderland City Council has been looking at new uses for the vacant 61-hectare Elemore Golf Course site in the Hetton ward.

Regeneration plans were developed following a council ‘Let’s Talk’ public consultation, with local residents calling for the site to be transformed into “usable green space” and for measures to address anti-social behaviour.

The vision for the wider site included the creation of a heritage and eco country park boosting biodiversity and providing education and leisure facilities for visitors.

In February, 2022, the first phase of works were given the green light which included converting existing golf club buildings on site into a community-run garden centre and café.

A hybrid planning application, submitted in 2022, proposed the second phase of regeneration work at the site, with an aim of providing a “safe recreational space for families”.

This included changing the wider golf course area into a heritage and eco park with woodland planting, grazing areas, wetland creation and car parking.

The council’s application also sought outline permission to set up a community farm, camping/education facilities and a miniature railway, with detailed ‘reserved matters’ proposals expected to be submitted in future.

Plans were officially approved at a meeting of Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee at City Hall on Monday, January 9.

Councillor Iain Scott, Hetton ward member, said the scheme would “provide an excellent place for our communities of Hetton and beyond to work, rest and play, as well as providing some excellent outdoor opportunities for education.”

Councillor Melanie Thornton, chair of the Planning and Highways Committee, added the development would be a “great asset to Hetton and Sunderland as a whole”.

The proposed country park will be the largest feature of the site offering around 55 hectares of open green space connected by a network of paths, seating, bird hides, sculptures and interpretation boards for visitors.

In addition, landscaping proposals include extensive woodland, hedgerow planting, wetland creation and wildflower meadow planting, as well as a number of play parks.

In the north and west of the site an “EcoZone” is proposed, with an aim of “protecting and enhancing existing habitats of value” by using enclosures and fencing to “control” public access.

The existing car park will also be retained and updated as well as an overflow car park and electric vehicle charging points for visitors.

As part of the project to bring new life to the former golf course, around 15,747 trees have already been planted as part of plans to establish a North East Community Forest, and in support of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year.

At the meeting to decide the country park application this week, councillor James Doyle noted Northumbria Police’s concerns about proposed measures to “restrict” quad bikes and motorbikes accessing the country park.

Council planning officers confirmed that police and a project working group were looking to find a solution to “completely eliminate the potential for this risk on the site”.

Following discussion, the country park plans won unanimous support from the Planning and Highways Committee.

The decision has been welcomed by city leaders including Claire Rowntree, Hetton ward councillor and deputy leader of Sunderland City Council.

Cllr Rowntree, who as lead member for the project chairs the Elemore Project Group, said: “This is another major milestone in Elemore’s transformation into a country park.

“The local community has been at the heart of these plans.

“They wanted to see a new country park that would provide a safe recreational space for families, including a nature reserve/ wildlife sanctuary with nature trails/walking routes and cycle tracks, a café and play parks.

“That’s what we’re working hard to deliver.”

The former golf course was built on the site of the former Elemore Colliery and spoil heap which was reclaimed in the 1990s.

The new café and garden centre on the Elemore site are due to open in late March, 2023.

Remaining works to establish the country park will continue throughout 2023 and 2024 and beyond as further investment is secured.