Plans in for 45 homes at farmland site on outskirts of Sunderland

Earlier in March, a planning application was submitted to Sunderland City Council for agricultural land at Chilton Moor in the Houghton area.

The site comprises of two plots of undeveloped open land to the western edge of the village and south of Redburn Road and Black Boy Road.

According to planning documents submitted on behalf of applicant Adderstone Living Ltd, the proposed development would offer affordable housing and would be managed by Karbon Homes.

If approved, two and three-bedroom units would be offered – consisting of bungalows, two storey detached and two storey semi-detached properties – with affordable rent and rent to buy options available.

The site was previously granted outline planning permission for housing and has been identified as suitable and available for development.

However, a bid for around 50 homes on the site from another developer was refused in 2019 on the recommendation of council planners.

New site plans show the proposed houses distributed across two parcels of land to the east and west of an existing building off Redburn Road.

The majority of homes are planned for the site to the west, which would include a village green, while the smaller plot would include homes and a pumping station.

Car parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure would also be provided.

A planning statement, submitted with the application, states the development would provide “significant economic benefits” including employment of more than 100 people during construction, through direct, indirect and induced employment.

A design and access statement adds the site would “support residential development as a natural extension to existing housing areas of Chilton Moor whilst reflecting the rural aspects close to the site.”

It goes on to say: “As such, the scheme is designed to have a rural edge and suburban character feel and includes a range of two and three-bedroom properties which will reflect the typology of the surrounding area and will consist of bungalows, semi-detached and some detached feature properties.

“The housing will be predominately two storey and well detailed to provide an attractive development at the entrance point of the village.

“It is hoped that the submission demonstrates a sustainable approach to residential development that provides an attractive place to live with a strong character and identity that is appropriate to its context.”

A final decision on the application is expected by early June, 2021.

Comments can be made by writing to the council’s planning department or visiting its online planning portal.

For more information, visit online-applications.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference: 21/00483/FUL

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.