£12million major retail scheme for Houghton Colliery site will 'complement' existing shops in town

Proposals for the former Houghton Colliery site have been given the green light, paving the way for an ‘expansion’ of the town centre.

The decision by Sunderland City Council chiefs means the land, in Newbottle Street, is ‘no longer required for open space purposes’ and opens the door for it to be sold to the Hellens Group, a developer and housebuilder.

Rebecca Atkinson, cabinet member for ‘Dynamic City’, said: “[It will enable] the comprehensive redevelopment of the site on the edge of Houghton town centre.

“And it will expand and complement the current town centre and local retail offer in Houghton.”

Coun Atkinson was speaking at a meeting of the city council’s ruling cabinet.

According to a report for councillors, a planning application with further details of the scheme is expected to be submitted ‘in the coming weeks’.

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