Boost for new homes plans
Proposals to build thousands of new homes across Sunderland have been given a major boost today thanks to Government funding.
Sunderland City Council has been told it is one of 44 areas across the country to have been shortlisted for funding for major infrastructure projects.
The local authority has made a bid of £17.8million from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund Forward Funding Bid, to support the infrastructure needed to create 3,286 new homes.
Three of the four development sites in the city, Chapelgarth (750 new homes), Cherry Knowle (800 new homes) and South Ryhope (450 new homes), have planning permission.
If granted, the money would fund a number of projects including:
Extensions to two existing primary schools in the Doxford Park and Ryhope areas.
The completion of the Ryhope Doxford link Road.
Improvements to the A690/A19 junction.
The provision of sports and leisure facilities for community and school use .
New homes would help meet demand for larger family homes and are in line with the council’s Economic Masterplan and Sunderland’s Housing Strategy.
Cabinet Secretary Councillor Mel Speding, said: “This ambitious proposal will provide more than 20% of the city’s future housing needs as well as supporting more than 5,000 new jobs planned for the International Advanced Manufacturing Park.”
Councillor Harry Trueman, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “New housing and a greater choice of housing is a key part of the city’s economic transformation.”