New store plan divides residents
PLANNERS are due to consider an application for a major supermarket on the site of a former care home.
The proposals would see Croftside House in Knollside Close, make way for an Aldi store, which could create 20 jobs.
The home will be demolished and residents relocated to a new building north of Doxford Park.
Aldi says the new store will enhance the area and be developed to fit in with homes at Hall Farm.
But the plans have divided the community, with letters in favour and against the plans among the 141 sent to Sunderland City Council.
Many of those objecting say the store will not be in keeping, will attract antisocial behaviour and is too close to homes.
About 400 people signed a petition asking for the development to be refused.
One of them, Jackie McDonald, who lives just 30 feet away from the proposed store, plans to speak at the planning meeting.
“I’m hoping to get across that this Aldi is being built in a residential area,” she said. “It will be right on top of us. “It will be an eyesore, I don’t want to look out at a tin can, to put it bluntly.”
Jackie also fears that the extra traffic would be a problem, as would parking in the small cul- desac where she lives.
Those in favour say it would provide value for money, be in a convenient location close to homes, and would bring jobs to the area.
The South Sunderland development control sub- committee is due to vote on the plans on Tuesday, at 5.45pm in committee room six of the Civic Centre.