Plans to upgrade major cycle route between Sunderland and Washington

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received a planning application for part of the Sea to Sea (C2C) network.

The plans from charity Sustrans, described as the ‘custodian’ of the National Cycle Network, applies to part of the network’s ‘route seven’.

The section earmarked for works runs from Barmston Lane in Washington to the track leading to Wood House Farm in Sunderland, with the wider route running parallel to the A1231 and A19 at Hylton Bridge.

A planning listing describes the proposed works as “widening, re-surfacing and other improvements to [the] shared use cycle and pedestrian path”.

These works will apply to a length of route which measures around one mile.

Other proposals include the “re-design of access control barriers at either end of the path section” along with the “installation of two new chicanes midway along the path” and drainage improvements.

Plans have been submitted to council officials with a number of supporting documents providing more details on the scheme.

A planning, design and access statement notes the “improvement works” would have several public benefits.

This includes “improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity, safety and accessibility” as well as “encouraging more people in the nearby area to uptake active travel”.

The supporting statement adds: “We believe these upgrades will provide a marked improvement for all members of the public seeking to travel between Sunderland and Washington, including commuters and those using the C2C for leisure trips, or to amenities/services along the route, with regards to connectivity, safety and inclusivity.

“This proposal will also improve accessibility for less ablebodied users including wheelchairs, pushchairs, mobility scooters and adapted cycles.

“Given that there is already an existing shared use path at the locations indicated, and that the pre-planning advice we received implied that the proposals were largely acceptable in principle, and as we have demonstrated that the proposed development is in accordance with national and local policy, we strongly believe that the proposed development should be deemed acceptable”.

If approved, the path will need to be closed for the works with public notices expected to be put up to inform commuters and other path-users, as well as atemporary diversion being put in place.

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 December 14, 2023.

For more information on the plan or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 23/01297/FU4