New martial arts school planned for Washington under proposals from Blue Wave Taekwondo Ltd

A new martial arts school creating nearly 10 jobs could open its doors in Washington under proposals submitted to city development bosses.
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Sunderland City Council’s planning department, earlier this week, validated an application for a business unit off Rosse Close in Parsons Industrial Estate.

According to documents submitted to council officials, the unit was last used for the manufacture of garden furniture but has now sat vacant for around one year.

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New plans from applicant Blue Wave Taekwondo Ltd aim to set up a martial arts school catering for local residents of Washington and the surrounding area.

General view of Rosse Close, Washington. Picture: Google Streetview.General view of Rosse Close, Washington. Picture: Google Streetview.
General view of Rosse Close, Washington. Picture: Google Streetview.

A submitted transport statement notes the development would offer group based activities, with around 20 customers per class, and multiple classes being held each evening on weekdays.

But applicants maintain the martial arts school would not affect the local transportation within the industrial estate or the “integrity of other businesses within the estate”.

Proposed opening hours for the martial arts school would be 4pm–9pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am-12 noon on weekends.

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Applicants add that the majority of customers would walk and cycle, take public transport or receive lifts to the sessions and that car parking would be available nearby.

The site would also have another use of storing and distributing martial arts equipment orders linked to e-commerce sales.

A “sequential assessment” submitted to council planners shows alternative sites in the area which were considered for a martial arts studio and discounted for not being viable or suitable.

The statement notes the unit at Parsons Industrial estate was chosen due to its availability, suitable size, “room for business growth” and “sustainable transport links”.

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A planning statement from the applicant adds the martial arts school would create around nine jobs with a mix of full-time and part-time roles ranging from assistant instructors and admin staff to sales/marketing, I.T and cleaning.

Other benefits include bringing a vacant premises back into use, supporting sustainable transport and providing health facilities for community use.

The planning statement adds: “The proposed change of use represents sustainable employment, social inclusion and economical benefits to the city of Sunderland and the Washington residents.

“As such the change of use should be granted without delay.”

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A decision on the planning application is expected to be made later this year following a period of council consultation.

For more information on the martial arts school bid, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal and search reference: 22/01788/FUL