Plans for 80 homes approved in Seaburn - despite sewage fears being raised again

Councillors agreed to approve the final details of proposals for more than 80 homes on land at Lowry Road in Seaburn.

But not before they were warned again about the possible impact of building on Sunderland’s water network, which campaigners say is overworked.

It came after another application to build 60 homes in the area was approved in February 2020 in face of similar objections.

Conservative councillor James Doyle raised objectors’ concerns over the 80-home application a meeting of Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee on March 9.

He said: “You have heard the evidence on three occasions now and members [of the committee] have been sympathetic – thousands of tonnes of effluent being discharged to sea every day has struck a chord.”

Coun Doyle, who is not a member of the panel and did not vote on the application, spoke alongside six other objectors, repeating issues raised at two previous meetings in 2020 to rule on housing plans near Seaburn Camp.

In 2017 development chiefs approved an ‘outline’ scheme for a wider 8.3 hectare site in Seaburn, including homes, hotels and shops, but set a three-year deadline for further details to be agreed.

But despite the arguments of opponents of the proposals, lawyers advising the committee told members sewage issues were the responsibility of the Environment Agency and Northumbrian water and therefore ‘immaterial’ to their decision.

Joe Ridgeon, director at Hedley Planning Services, a consultancy, who spoke on behalf of applicant Avant Homes, said the firm was ‘satisfied’ the sewage connections on the site were ‘acceptable’ for the development.

“The council members can only go off the expert information we are presented with and it is up to us to scrutinise that evidence,” said Coun Michael Butler.

“[The objectors] have said we have been manipulated by council officers and statutory bodies are acting illegally, but I cannot say I have seen any evidence of that.”

He added: “Some things are concerning, but unfortunately not concerned with tonight’s decision, but we do need to look into this matter further.”