Decision day for new Co-op on garage site in Penshaw, creating 12 new jobs

The retail chain submitted plans earlier this year to replace its existing store in Penshaw with a bigger, purpose-built hub.

If approved, the food store would be erected on the site of auto repair shop, Miller’s Automotive, off Station Road.

According to planning documents, the business is looking to relocate elsewhere in the city with the current building earmarked for demolition to make way for the food store.

Around 12 full-time jobs are also expected to be created by the new Co-op with the majority of staff drawn from the local area.

A planning statement, submitted with the application, states the plans would provide an “enhanced local shopping facility for the local population offering a wide range of goods and services including fresh produce, frozen goods and off licence to meet the day-to-day needs of residents in the immediate locality.”

The proposed food store would replace the existing Co-op store on Coxgreen Road and offer an ATM, a 13-space car park and cycle provision.

Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval with a final decision expected next week.

However, the proposals have also sparked four objections from neighbours over potential traffic and parking issues, deliveries and noise impacts.

A report prepared by council planners states deliveries to and from the site will be conditioned not to be carried out in the early morning or late evening.

They added that the site provides “sufficient parking” for the store with any “inconsiderate or obstructive” parking being a matter for the police.

Meanwhile, demolition works to prepare the site will be managed by a plan aiming to reduce the impact of noise, vibration and dust.

The Co-op plans will be discussed at Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways [West[ Committee on Tuesday, June 30 at 5.30pm.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the city council’s committees have started to meet remotely with meetings live-streamed on the council’s YouTube channel.

The planning meeting can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/O9tdsaJLXY8

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