E-vehicle storage and charging unit approved for high-rise Sunderland estate
Plans for a new e-vehicle storage and charging facility serving one of Sunderland’s high-rise residential estates have been approved.
The secure, purpose‑built facility will also offer customers free‑to‑use charging points and have CCTV, fire detection, lighting and controlled fob access.
Housing association bosses said the plans aimed to provide “safe, practical options for storage”, as well as reducing the risk of e-vehicle fires.
Marc Edwards, Gentoo Group’s executive director of property, said customer safety was “always our top priority” and added the plans for the new e‑vehicle storage unit would “further strengthen Gentoo’s existing safety measures to reduce the risk of e‑vehicle fires”.
This included education sessions, fire safety roadshows and Gentoo’s e‑vehicle health check programme, delivered in partnership with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
The housing boss added: “This proposal is about planning ahead, listening to our customers and providing safe, practical options for storage.
“As e‑bikes and e‑scooters become more common, it’s important we take proactive steps to reduce potential fire risks while still supporting customers’ independence and everyday travel needs.”
In approving the application, Sunderland City Council’s planning department said the plans would “continue to support the surrounding residents, which reflects the existing pattern of land use”.
The council decision report added the development would “represent no demonstrable harm” to visual/residential amenity or highway safety.
Gentoo bosses previously said plans would provide a “safer, more practical option for storing and charging e‑vehicles, while helping to reduce fire risk within residential buildings.”
A total of 10 charging points are proposed and the facility would be available to the customers of the seven high-rise residential buildings at Lakeside Village.