Residents hit out at flats plan
Protesters in Penshaw have spoken out against a new housing development and raised a petition.
Plans were submitted in August to build a three-storey building with 72 apartments for people over 55, with parking and turning space and the restoration of a walled garden south of Penshaw House. The 1830 Grade II-listed building is owned by Sunderland City Council, as is the site area.
Thebuildingisderelictand up for sale for £250,000.
Planning documents prepared on behalf of applicant Vistry Partnerships North East, outline the scope of the development, which proposes 100% affordable housing. But some residents are not happy and have voiced a number of concerns. These include the environment, the impact on the historic building, added traffic, noise and whether the new flats will be sold.
A statement from the protesters said: “Current proposalswouldnegativelyimpactthe status of Penshaw House and render it potentially unsaleable.Negativeeffectswouldalso be felt on biodiversity and for the local community.
“Gilwood Court, next door to the site, already offers over-55 accommodation and has empty flats.
“The council’s own plan states 15 dwellings can be built on the site, yet this has been completely ignored. According to residents, the process has been ‘rushed through under the radar’ to avoid a full assessment.
“Public consultation took placetwoweeksafterthedeadline for objections. Residents are seeking support from the local community and political representatives to ensure thatthesiteisdevelopedinfull consultation, whilst adhering tothecouncil’sownregulations for the site.”
Sunderland City Council said: “The consultation period ranthroughuntilOctober1,allowingafullfourweeksforany comments or objections, albeit representations can still be submitteduntilthedetermination of the application.
“The meeting in question relatestoapublicconsultation eventheldbytheAgent(Barton Willmore),notthecounciland isnotsomethingthatthecouncil has any control over. The Agent has submitted a summaryofthemeeting,whichcan be viewed on the public access website.
“As with all planning applications, this proposal will be considered on its merits and with regard to national and local planning policies.”