Plans for new Starbucks drive-thru, EV charging hub and petrol station near Rainton Arena

Plans for a new petrol filling station, electric vehicle charging hub and Starbucks drive-thru on Wearside have been submitted to council development bosses.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for a new ‘roadside services’ development in the Rainton Meadows area.

The semicircle-shaped vacant site sits off the roundabout near Rainton Arena and Rainton Bridge Business Park and within the city’s Hetton ward.

New plans from EG Property Limited and Hamilton Willis Land and Developments aim to transform the site into a service station and retail uses.

This includes the erection of a petrol filling station, a drive-thru coffee shop, named in submitted designs as Starbucks, and four ‘ultra-rapid’ electric vehicle charging points.

In addition, jet wash bays and ‘three-in-one valet bays’ are also proposed as part of the development.

A planning statement submitted to council officials provides more details on the scheme, including the proposed site layout and parking provision.

On-site parking provision would total 29 bays split between the petrol filling station and drive-thru unit, along with two “mobility impaired standard bays” located along the front of each unit.

Those behind the scheme said the electric vehicle chargers would be able to charge vehicles in around 20 minutes.

A new vehicular entrance and exit are also planned at the site from the B1284.

The planning statement reads: “The proposed development will provide services for passing traffic off the A690, providing an opportunity for people to stop and refuel/recharge their vehicles while visiting the coffee shop or petrol filling station shop to purchase food and refreshments from the ancillary food and retail shop as they take a break.

“It is envisioned that the services provided would be ideal for commuters to and from businesses in the Rainton Bridge North and Rainton Bridge South primary employment areas, where there is a lack of ultra-rapid charging facilities.

“As the site lies between Junction 62 of the A1(M) and Sunderland City Centre, the site location makes it an ideal stop-off point to recharge and refuel for drivers heading to and from the A1(M)”.

Applicants said the development was in a sustainable location and would “generate a relatively low level of ‘new’ trips, which would not adversely impact the local highway network”.

Although the scheme will see some tree loss, a number will be retained, as well as 43 new trees being planted across the site.

It was also noted that the plans would “stimulate and boost local employment opportunities within the local area, which includes the jobs to be undertaken in the build-out process, but also employees both part-time and full-time operating the petrol filling station and drive-thru facilities”.

According to the planning statement, 45 full-time equivalent staff would be required to “undertake the day-to-day operations” at the site.

The planning statement adds: “The proposed works will help to create a contemporary roadside service development which will help to encourage further investment locally, providing conveniently located recharging and refuelling facilities for local employees at the neighbouring Rainton Bridge employment areas, as well as nearby residents, and commuters utilising the neighbouring A690 road network.

“The roadside services will be high-quality, modern, and functional and will improve local services by offering petroleum vehicle refuelling, EV charging, basket convenience shopping, and hot beverages”.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be made once a period of council consultation has concluded.

Information on Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website lists a decision deadline of February 16, 2024.

For more information on the plan or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 23/02501/FU4