Shops and flats to rise from the ashes as plans approved for fire-hit Hetton business units

In 2018, firefighters battled a huge blaze which spread across several properties in Richard Street.

As a result, the ‘Hydro Haven’ units faced extensive damage with large parts of the roof destroyed and windows and doors now boarded up.

In April 2020, new proposals were lodged to fix the roof damage and provide new doors, windows and external roller shutters.

According to planning documents submitted at the time, the proposals aimed to return commercial units to the street and enhance the wider area.

Initial plans also included five one-bedroom flats above the shop spaces for rental.

However, the application was later amended with the upper floors sidelined for storage use.

Following consultation, Sunderland City Council’s planning authority approved the plans on Thursday, June 25.

Planners concluded there were no expected impacts on highway safety or nearby residents.

A decision notice reads: “The proposed scheme does not include any off street parking but proposes some cycle storage in the rear outbuildings.

“However, given that scheme essentially seeks to reinstate the previous likely longstanding commercial uses which operated without off street parking, the proposal is not considered likely to lead to an intensification of car bourne journeys to and from the site, or an increased demand for parking.”

The report goes on to say: “Given that commercial uses operated from the site previously, and that there is a club within the same street opposite the application site, it is not considered likely that the proposal will lead to a significant detriment to the amenities and living conditions of the nearby residents.

“However, for this reason it is considered prudent to attach conditions to any forthcoming approval to limit the type of use and operating hours of the units.”

Agreed opening hours for the shops include 8.30am – 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Under planning conditions, a construction and environmental management plan must also be submitted to the council.

This aims to reduce any potential disruption during the demolition and construction phases of the project.

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