Demolition of Park Lane Market in Sunderland gets go-ahead to start

Earlier in November, Sunderland City Council lodged an application with its own planning department to demolish the majority of units at Park Lane Market.

The site, near the city’s bus interchange, links Park Lane and Holmeside and houses a range of retail units.

The council previously confirmed that the demolition aims to “progress and encourage new uses for the site.”

According to the planning application, several buildings at the site have “exceeded their useful economic lifespan.”

Following consultation, the council’s planning department ruled that ‘prior approval’ for the works was not required.

A planning report sets out the reasons for the decision: “Based on the submitted information, the proposed nature, method of demolition and restoration details are considered appropriate and the works are not considered to have an unacceptable impact on any nearby properties.

“It is considered that the information supplied is sufficient to ensure that the proposed demolition would be carried out safely and efficiently and that the overall site would be adequately cared for post demolition.

“The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of the method of demolition and proposed reinstatement of the land.

“Therefore, it is not considered necessary to exercise control over the proposed demolition and prior approval is not consequently required.”

The demolition works will include market units 6-17 and 25-30, the free standing stalls in the main courtyard and the removal of the steel/plastic pedestrian walkway at the site.

Boundary walls would be structurally supported with columns “salvaged” from the dismantling of the pedestrian walkway.

And when demolition work is completed, the site would be cleared of all debris and secured to prevent public access.

The project is estimated for completion in late January 2021.

According to planning documents, the works would be carried out with regard to all ecology and wildlife legislation.

However, units 31-36 and the covered market entrance off Holmeside are not included in the demolition plan.

Any plans to erect or rebuild any structure at the site in future may require a further planning application.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.