Plans submitted for new electric vehicle charging facilities at Sunderland’s Wessington Retail Park

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for Wessington Retail Park, off Castellian Road, in the city’s Castle ward.

The retail park includes four units, including drive-thru restaurants occupied by McDonald’s and KFC, as well as the Pet Superstore and a unit formerly occupied by Wickes.

New plans from applicant Ionity GmbH aim to install electric vehicle charging facilities within the retail park’s car park.

This includes the installation of 12 electric vehicle charging spaces together with charging posts, power cabinets/LV panels , a substation and lighting.

A planning application notes that the plans, if approved, would lead to the loss of eight spaces in the retail park’s car park.

Supporting documents submitted to council officials also indicate that the model of chargers would provide fast-charging solutions for customers.

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

Information on Sunderland City Council’s website lists a decision deadline of December 12, 2023, for the development.

For more on the planning application or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 23/02172/FUL