Washington Metro hopes: Planned new low-carbon housing development could pave the way for bringing rail network to area

A CGI illustration of how the new Metro trains will look. It is hoped the new carriages will be seen in Washington is approval is given to bringing the light rail system to more parts of Wearside.

Plans to create a new low-carbon housing development east of Washington are outlined within Sunderland City Council’s Allocations and Designations Plan (ADP) and a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Washington Meadows.

The proposals were presented to the council’s ruling cabinet this week ahead of formal public consultation and aim to allocate land to create a ‘sustainable urban extension to Washington.’

Along with the Washington Meadows residential community, the city council is seeking to ringfence a further area of land that could pave the way for construction of a new Metro station – a move that could see the area connected into the Tyne and Wear overground system for the first time.

The Metro connection, which is subject to future funding and decision-making, would ensure that the new development, along with existing communities in Washington, are well served by transport links into the wider region.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, cabinet member for Dynamic City, said: “Two significant areas of focus for us as a council are low carbon and sustainable housing development, and these proposals will deliver against both agendas, as well as bringing with them the opportunity to bolster connections into Washington.

“We know that Washington is a well-established destination of choice for families, and Washington Meadows will build on that, delivering homes with high standards of sustainability and design quality and providing a range of supporting facilities to help foster a strong sense of community.”

Council bosses have said that the creation of well-connected and sustainable transport links will be essential in making Washington Meadows a sustainable neighbourhood.

Cllr Atkinson added: “We want to build low-carbon communities, where people are able to live in green homes, use shared transport to reduce their carbon footprint, and lead fulfilled lives in a way that is kind to the planet.

“The ADP will support aspirations to extend the Metro line to Washington and improve access to public transport allowing local people to move easily – and sustainably – around Tyne and Wear.

“It’s an exciting step forward.”

The Washington Meadows SPD, which will be consulted upon alongside the ADP, aims to facilitate the delivery of high quality new homes that meet the future needs of the city and its residents.

Following a cabinet decision on December 8, the council will consult on both plans between December 18, 2020 and February 12, 2021.

Views and opinions gathered during the consultation process will be considered before the plans are finalised at a later date.

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