Homes plan for petrol station ‘eyesore’ site

FRESH proposals for new homes on a long-vacant former petrol station site have been approved by Sunderland City Council.

The site, off Ryhope Road, has been empty for many years, and was labelled ‘an eyesore’ by councillors as it became derelict, leading to Sunderland City Council issuing an improvement notice to remove the old petrol station remnants.

Newcastle Car Wash Limited applied in 2023 for permission to build eight four-bedroom townhouses, with road access from Westholme Terrace and an unnamed road to the rear.

The plans were amended amid concerns over parking and there was one public objection that described plans as “a gross overdevelopment of the site”.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved the application, subject to conditions including a plan for the allocation of the parking spaces.

The decision has been welcomed by St Michael’s ward councillor Michael Dixon, who said there was “renewed optimism” for the site’s future.

Coun Dixon said: “The vast majority of residents who have been affected by it being vacant and an eyesore for so long live opposite on or behind Ryhope Road.

“Their houses all situated within the ward I represent.

“There is a long history of previous applications on this site including proposals, at different times, for use as a car wash and tyre sales, when along with many residents I argued for refusal of planning permission.

“In addition, there was a past application for housing which was approved but unfortunately did not commence within the required time of three years.”

To find out more about the plan, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 23/02154/FUL