£1.4million new Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre and 17 bungalows planned for Sunderland site

Plans for a new city centre hub supporting people with disabilities have officially been lodged.
Cork Street development artist impressions. Picture: Sunderland City CouncilCork Street development artist impressions. Picture: Sunderland City Council
Cork Street development artist impressions. Picture: Sunderland City Council

In recent months, council bosses approved a £2.8million investment towards new affordable bungalow schemes across the city, including sites in Houghton and Washington.

A third scheme included 17 homes off Cork Street, Hendon, to compliment a planned £1.4million disability day centre.

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Last week, the scheme took a step forward after it was verified by Sunderland City Council’s planning authority.

If approved, the existing Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre (NDRC) will be demolished and replaced with a new build on the council-owned land.

NDRC is a dedicated centre for people with a range of physical and learning disabilities and also provides domiciliary home care support.

The organisation has been working in Sunderland for more than 55 years with the broad aim of enhancing disabled people’s lives.

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On its website it states many of its clients and members are people diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but it also provides support for those who may have allied conditions such as a physical disability and/or a learning disability.

Services include arts and crafts, computer skills, drama, gardening,social outings and exercise classes.

Charity bosses are expected to manage the centre and bungalows at Cork Street with around 23 parking spaces provided.

A design and access statement, prepared by developers, adds the plans would help expand and improve services alongside providing purpose-built homes.

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The scheme is one of three agreed since council bosses pushed forward with plans to become a registered social housing provider last year.

The move aims to support partners to plug gaps in the housing market and to speed up the supply of affordable homes to meet the city’s housing needs.

Council bosses also plan to submit bids for Homes England grants to help with the cost of the bungalow schemes.

According to planning documents, the Hendon development is expected to create six full-time and four part-time jobs.

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Public comments are open on the plans until Thursday, January 23 with a final decision expected by early April.

Subject to planning approval, work is expected to start in Spring 2020.

For more information, visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning ref: 19/02149/LP3