Plans to revamp historic Washington pub the Cross Keys thrown out over noise fears

Sunderland City Council has refused permission for a major revamp of the Cross Keys in Washington Village, ruling the scheme would have an unacceptable impact on nearby residents and highway safety.

Pub operator Punch Pubs had hoped to replace much of the existing car park with a new courtyard-style seating area featuring an outdoor bar, retractable canopy, festoon lighting and landscaped seating.

It claimed the proposed development would enhance the conservation area and “improve functionality and customer experience”, as well as support the long-term viability of the pub.

A total of 11 on-site parking spaces would have been removed to make way for the seating area. Punch Pubs had said the car park was not essential to the pub’s operation, as the village had ample on-street and public parking.

The application attracted 17 objections and one comment in support.

Concerns raised included highways safety, parking pressures and access issues, heritage impacts, residential amenity impacts linked to noise and more, while the supporting comment said the plans would improve the local area.

After being discussed by the council’s planning and highways committee, councillors agreed with the officers’ recommendation that the plans should be refused.

Officers had said the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the surrounding area due to its scale and distance to residential properties, along with wider parking pressures.

Noise was cited as one refusal reason, with planners concluding the development would be “detrimental to the amenities of adjacent residential properties by reason of potential noise and late-night disturbance”.

It was also noted that the proposal would be “detrimental to highway safety due to the attraction of additional custom and reduction in on-site parking resulting in additional parking on street.”

The applicant can challenge the decision by lodging an appeal.