Plans approved for new ‘utility building’ at home of Washington AFC to improve coaching at the club

Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council’s planning department validated an application for the football club’s base at the Northern Area Playing Fields near Stephenson Road.

Plans included a new structure, described as a club utility building, being erected at the north west corner of the site for sports and leisure purposes.

A planning application submitted on behalf of Washington AFC said the building would be used for coach and player training and club meetings.

Although the open plan building would be a “remote facility“ away from the main community clubhouse, it would be painted in the club’s colours and is expected to benefit from water and power connections in future.

After considering the planning application and assessing it against planning policies, Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved it on November 10, 2022.

A council decision report said the plans would be acceptable in terms of design, visual impact and land contamination, with an assessment required due to the site’s location in a “coal mining legacy area”.

The planning decision report adds: “The application proposes the erection of a portacabin which would provide ancillary facilities to support an existing sports club, the proposal would not lead to the loss of open green space or have a negative impact on existing sporting use.

“Sport England has assessed the proposal and has raised no objection.

“The proposal is considered in accordance with local and national planning policy and as such is considered acceptable in principle subject to other matters discussed within this report.”

According to planning documents, Washington AFC plays host to more than 40 football teams of varying age ranges and football pitches are maintained by volunteer staff.

The planning application adds the plans would “enhance facilities at these pitches” linked to the community club and registered charity.

Under planning conditions work on the new club building must take place within three years.

For more information on the planning application and council decision, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal and search reference: 22/01518/FU4