Fast food outlet to install chargers

PLANS for rapid electric vehicle charging stations at a Sunderland fast food restaurant have been given the go-ahead.

Back in February 2022, Sunderland City Council’s planning department received an application for land at the KFC branch at Pennywell Industrial Estate.

Applicant InstaVolt Ltd proposed installing two rapid electric vehicle charging stations and associated equipment in the car park area. Following consultation on the application, Sunderland City Council planners approved it on May 2, 2022. A report prepared by council officers deemed the scheme acceptable and said the plans would meet the objectives of relevant planning policies.

This included policies favouring projects which involve “renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure”.

The planning decision report states: “It is noted that there would be no net loss in spaces with the two standard bays within the existing site simply being converted to electric bays. The transportation development team has been consulted in respect of the application and has raised no objection.

For more information on the planning application, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal and search reference: 22/00322/FUL.