Plans for a new housing estate have been put on hold following concerns about the impact traffic will have on a nearby cul-de-sac.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee has voted to defer a decision on proposals for land near Burdon Road in the city’s Doxford ward.

Homes By Esh was seeking permission for 49 homes on the ex-agricultural site with “associated infrastructure, roads and open space” for a mix of detached and semi-detached houses planned.

Vehicular access was proposed to the south via a new four-arm mini-roundabout junction with The Fold.

The site earmarked for 49 homes off Burdon Road, in Sunderland's Doxford ward. LDRS

placeholder image — The site earmarked for 49 homes off Burdon Road, in Sunderland's Doxford ward. LDRS

During a council consultation exercise, there were concerns from several properties in the cul-de-sac about the access generating a “significant increase in traffic”.

Doxford ward councillor Heather Fagan also objected, saying she was worried about the “intensification in use of the access road leading to The Fold” and “associated noise, congestion and disruption.”

Officers had recommended the housing be approved and there were no objections from council highways bosses.

However, after members of the public and Cllr Fagan raised concerns about site access, traffic safety and the impact on trees, as well as the accuracy of a transport assessment, councillors voted to defer a decision so an alternative route to the site could be considered.

The application will therefore be brought before the committee again.

Council highways officers said four different junction arrangements had been considered by Esh and added an alternative Burdon Road access had not been explored due to “third party land ownership issues”.

Meanwhile, an Esh representative said a road safety audit for the development site concluded the proposed access was “safe and suitable”.

A representative from Ashbrooke Sports Club, as the landowner, also said the development would help with “fiscal issues” and make a “massive difference to the sporting support” it offers.

Dale Morris, technical director at Homes by Esh, said the firm was disappointed with the deferral but added it would “continue to work constructively with Sunderland City Council’s highways team and remain committed to bringing forward high‑quality homes that respond positively to local needs and priorities.”

For more information, visit the council’s planning portal and search for reference 25/01075/FUL.