Plans approved for new apartment complex on site of Sunderland's former Fulwell fire station

Plans to build a new apartment complex on the site of a former city fire station have been given the go-ahead.
The closed Fulwell fire stationThe closed Fulwell fire station
The closed Fulwell fire station

Earlier this year, developer Cancara Property Ltd submitted proposals for the ex-Fulwell fire station on Station Road.

The site closed in 2015 and includes a training tower and operational land to the rear.

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Following a decision by councillors this week, the building will be demolished to make way for 28 flats.

This includes a four-storey block offering a raft of two-bedroom apartments and private parking on site.

“I have spoken with quite a few residents who live around there in the Fire Station Cottages and Marina Avenue and they’re quite supportive of the application with the crucial caveat that there’s adequate parking,” Fulwell ward councillor, James Doyle, said.

“I understand that the parking that is provided in the application is in line with the guidance that the council sets out.

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“Whilst I do have a few concerns about it, I think that overall [the plan] is probably going to be something that is needed for the area.

“With the proximity to the Metro Station, hopefully some of that parking issue will be alleviated.”

Coun Doyle was speaking at Sunderland City Council’s area development control sub-committee on Tuesday, November 26, where the plans were approved.

Early proposals for the site included 32 apartments across two buildings.

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Following concerns from neighbours, the complex was scaled back to a single block.

During public consultation the scale of the development, the number of flats and increased traffic using Station Road were also raised as issues.

But planning officers, recommending the scheme for approval, said that parking issues were acceptable given the sustainable transport connections in the area.

Following discussion, the plans were approved with a unanimous vote.

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Under planning conditions, the developer must submit a car park management plan to the council before tenants can move in.

To reduce the impact of the new flats, developers are also expected to stump up cash under a section 106 legal agreement.

This includes £24,883 towards primary, secondary and special education in the area, £48,000 for offsite affordable housing and £19,628 for new/improved play facilities in Fulwell.

An extra £15,932 will also be provided towards monitoring protected nature sites.

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The final say on the plan rests with the council’s executive director of city development who is “minded to approve” the application.

Sub-committee chair, Coun Julia Jackson, added: “I’m sure it will be a great asset to the area.”