Former dance studio to become the base for an online pharmacy

A former dance studio space is set for a new lease of life as an online pharmacy base.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has approved an application for the new venture at a business space in the Grangetown area.

This features an “online pharmacy and delivery prescription service” at 84 Ryhope Road.

According to planning documents, the new pharmacy will create up to three full-time jobs.

However, the premises will not be open to the general public and will provide “deliveries only”.

During council consultation, four letters of objection were received raising concerns about the potential impact on other pharmacies in the area.

Objectors stated there were a “sufficient number of pharmacies within the area” and that a new one would have a “negative effect on these businesses”.

Meanwhile, a single letter of support was submitted saying the new pharmacy would be a “welcome addition” to the area.

In a decision report, council planners stated that “the matter of competition between businesses” could not be given weight in the decision-making process for the planning application.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department gave the green light to the

The building in Ryhope Road, where the pharmacy will be based.

change of use on January 15 and raised no concerns about noise disruption or highway

safety. Approved opening hours for the pharmacy will be 9am-6pm, Monday to Sunday,

including Bank Holidays.

The decision report from the council goes on to say:

“The site is located within a commercial area and adjacent to Grangetown local centre where a degree of activity is to be expected.

“It is considered that the comings and goings from the site of staff members and delivery staff would not be excessive in comparison to the comings and goings of staff members and customers associated with the previous dance studio use.

“The proposed operating hours of 9am-6pm would also be considered appropriate and ensure that there would be no disturbance for the neighbouring residents.

“These hours will be conditioned as part of the proposal. Given this it is considered that the proposal would not impact negatively upon residential amenity.”