Houses green light at ex-petrol station site
Plans to transform a derelict petrol station site into new homes have been given the go-ahead by council planners.
In 2019 Last year, proposals were lodged to redevelop a former Total UK service stationoffWestholmeTerracein the Hendon ward.
According to planning documents, the area has been derelict for several years with forecourt buildings remaining on site.
The proposals included converting the land into a “townhouse” complex with eight four-bedroom homes and12parkingbaystotherear.
Theplansalsoaimedtodemolish all structures on the site to make way for the twostorey development.
Following consultation, Sunderland City Council’s planning authority approved the planning application on Friday.
Although council officers admitted there could be an impact on residents to the rear of the site from one bedroom window, no objections werelodgedfromneighbours.
A decision report reads: “Officers, therefore, consider that planning permission should not be refused solely on the basis that the separation distance from one bedroom window does not meet the guidance.
“Especially given that the balance of the proposal accords with the development plan and would contribute towards providing housing on a vacant piece of brownfield land located in a sustainable location.”
The report added the site would bring benefits in terms of economic development, meeting housing needs and regeneratinga“long-standing vacant site.”
Over the years, several planning applications to convert the site have been rejected. Although an application forapartmentsonthesitewas approved more than a decade ago, the scheme failed to materialise.
Under planning conditions, the new townhouse plans must be brought forward within the next three years.
Applicant, The Newcastle CarWashLimited,isexpected to pay funds to the city council to minimise “recreational impacts” on protected nature sites. This is part of a section 106 agreement and will be set at a rate of £271 per dwelling, accordingtocouncilplanning papers.