New Sunderland pub plan approved

Councillors on the city’s Development Control (South Sunderland) Committee approved the plans to rejuvinate the former clothing factory.

The green light means Marstons Inns and Taverns will now be able to build a new pub and restaurant on the site.

It is expected that the development will have space for 60 covers in the dining area, as well as an outdoor children’s play area.

Proposals were recently outlined for a new Aldi supermarket on the same site and planning permission has already been given for a KFC fast food restaurant to be built there as well.

Sixty parking spaces which include two spaces for the disabled are proposed to be provided in a new car park which will be positioned to the north and north east of the building, whilst cycle hoops are also proposed to promote sustainable forms of transport for customers and staff.

Wearside Liberal Democrat campaigner for the area Stephen O’Brien said: “It is encouraging that the former Dewhirst site, which has been standing empty for years, is being brought back to life.

“I’m also pleased that these developments will create new local jobs in the area, and with Aldi set to come to the area too it mean there will be a supermarket nearer to people at this end of Pennywell, as well as for people living in Grindon and Hastings Hill.”