Washington residents welcome move to delay decision on controversial Gentoo housing development

Objectors fighting a proposed housing development have welcomed the decision by councillors to delay a decision until a site visit can be arranged.
Keith Bartlett (front) with Lowthian Terrace residents Theresa Madden, Graeme Wright and his dog Jasper, John Wright, Cllr Dianne Snowdon, Janet Hattersley, Donna McParlin, John McParlin, Michael Kean and Andy Gray on land that is due to be developed by Gentoo.Keith Bartlett (front) with Lowthian Terrace residents Theresa Madden, Graeme Wright and his dog Jasper, John Wright, Cllr Dianne Snowdon, Janet Hattersley, Donna McParlin, John McParlin, Michael Kean and Andy Gray on land that is due to be developed by Gentoo.
Keith Bartlett (front) with Lowthian Terrace residents Theresa Madden, Graeme Wright and his dog Jasper, John Wright, Cllr Dianne Snowdon, Janet Hattersley, Donna McParlin, John McParlin, Michael Kean and Andy Gray on land that is due to be developed by Gentoo.

Residents of Lowthian Terrace, in Columbia, Washington, raised concerns about the proposed plan by Gentoo to build 13 homes on the land next to Willows Close, but claimed their fears were being ignored by the housing developer.

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The group of 26 residents were concerned about the impact the proposed development would have on already busy traffic, parking and the taking up of greenspace and are pleased their concerns are now being listened to.

Land that is due to be developed by GentooLand that is due to be developed by Gentoo
Land that is due to be developed by Gentoo

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mark Lloyd 53, said: “We’re very pleased the councillors want to come and look at the site before making a decision. We’ve sent a very loud and clear message around this development and we’re glad we’ve now been heard.

“It’s nice to feel as if we are now being listened to and I look forward to the councillors visiting the area to get a bigger picture of the issues before making a decision.”

The plans put forward by Gentoo include two bungalows and 11 two and three-bedroom houses.

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Joanne Gordon, development director at Gentoo Group, said: “It’s well documented that there’s currently an affordable housing shortage in Sunderland and as an organisation we’re committed to helping to tackle this by building high quality new homes for affordable rent across the city.”

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