Plans to build 400 new homes on the edge of Sunderland - how you can have your say

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey wants to construct the properties on 23 hectares of land to the north of Chislehurst Road, Penshaw, next to Herrington Country Park.

The site has been identified for development in Sunderland City Council’s Local Plan and is no longer in the green belt.

Taylor Wimpey is keen to hear the views of local people and has established a number of ways for them to share their views, although a planned public consultation drop-in event is cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The site has been identified by the council as suitable in helping deliver on its ambition to increase the number of “larger detached dwellings” in the city.

It would provide a range of new homes with two, three and four bedrooms with 15% of these classed as “affordable”.

Taylor Wimpey says the development would also provide areas of open space, landscaping, footpaths and cycle links, connecting with the existing routes within the country park.

A company spokesperson said: “The site is an exciting opportunity to deliver new homes in a sustainable attractive location, taking advantage of the relationship with the country park and Penshaw Monument.

“The plans are at an early stage and we are keen to secure the input of the local community to help to shape the development.”

Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the development team have established a number of ways for the public to air their views.

Members of Taylor Wimpey and the appointed consultants’ team will be on hand to take calls on Thursday, March 19, between 3pm and 8pm and Saturday, March 21, between 9am and 1pm on (0191) 5165423.

Alternatively, the team can be reached at [email protected], with the email account being manned constantly during the above times.

Meanwhile, the public consultation boards will be available from Thursday, March 19, at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/penshaw.

This will provide members of the public an opportunity to fill in a feedback form.

Anyone wanting a printed version of the consultation boards or feedback form should contact the above telephone number during the event.