Bid to transform ex-Sunderland pub the Oddfellow Arms into shop moves a vital step closer
A bid to allow a planned new convenience store in Sunderland to sell alcohol until 11pm at the site of a former pub has been approved.
A licensing application had been submitted to Sunderland City Council for the premises at 19A North Ravensworth Street, which was formerly the Oddfellows Arms public house.
Proposals from Dinesh Ravikumar sought to gain permission for a planned new convenience store at the site to sell alcohol from 7am until 11pm.
The shop will be under the Premier banner and include groceries, confectionery, alcohol, tobacco products, pet food and household items.
The application was forced to go before the council’s licensing sub-committee after concerns were raised by nearby residents.
Worries included the lack of demand for the shop and that it would increase anti-social behaviour, litter, noise nuisance and traffic issues in the area.
However, after hearing from concerned residents and the applicant, councillors on the panel decided to grant the licence – meaning the proposed new shop will be able to sell alcohol during the hours requested.
Mr Ravikumar said their intention is to operate “a professionally managed convenience store serving the local community” and they are “committed to being a good neighbour”.
He added: “I respectfully submit that the concerns raised are highly speculative and they are not supported by evidence.
“I can reassure the local residents that we understand residents’ concerns and want to be a positive part of the community.
“Alcohol sales will form only one part of the business and it will be conducted responsibly and in full compliance with licensing law.”
Six objections were initially lodged over the scheme, with three being upheld following an update on additional conditions being agreed to by the applicant detailing how the shop will operate.
One objector, speaking at the meeting, said: “Such a development would significantly spoil the quiet amenity of the residential street that we’re on at the moment.”
Northumbria Police chiefs and the council’s environmental health team both had no objections to the proposals after additional operating conditions were agreed to by the applicant.
Council officers confirmed a planning application will also be required to convert the former pub into a convenience store.
They added Mr Ravikumar has made enquiries with the local authority’s planning team although an application has still to be submitted.