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The Independent
3 minutes ago
- The Independent
Premier League club in row with council over proposed housing near stadium
Premier League newcomers Sunderland have opposed plans to build houses near their Stadium of Light ground, saying development could have 'catastrophic consequences'. Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said the club will make formal objections to the city council's plans to allow for homes to be built in what had been a buffer zone around the stadium. Sunderland City Council has proposed that 600 homes, including maisonettes, townhouses and family homes, should be built south of the stadium, as part of a wider redevelopment of the city centre. Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Melia has insisted that the stadium was a 'key asset for the city' and the redevelopment plans would enhance fans' experience. Former chairman Sir Bob Murray, who oversaw the move from Roker Park to the 49,000-seat ground in 1997, called the change a 'disgrace'. He said the local authority had previously agreed protections which would prevent development near the stadium, thus allowing the club to increase capacity if needed, but that the city council had 'torn them up'. Sir Bob said having houses up close to the Stadium of Light risked hemming it in, which was the cause of the move from Roker Park. Mr Louis-Dreyfus has now spoken out against the plans as well. He said: 'As the custodian of Sunderland AFC, it is my duty to safeguard the future of our club. 'This includes the Stadium of Light – the beating heart of our city. 'Unfortunately, Sunderland City Council has recently taken steps relating to the Sheepfolds development that could have catastrophic operational consequences on our club and, by extension, our community. 'We are under no illusion that the city needs a more appropriate housing provision and support those endeavours fully. 'However, later this week we will be submitting a formal objection against the proposals relating to the Sheepfolds and I encourage all city stakeholders to come together and join us in protecting the future of our football club and the City of Sunderland. 'Together, we have limitless potential, but it will only be realised through delivering on a shared purpose and vision.' There were fears that having homes close to the stadium could impact its ability to host major concerts as well as block any future expansion plans. The Stadium of Light has hosted England games and was built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery. In response to the objections, council chief Mr Melia said: 'We are very much invested in the future of the Stadium of Light and recognise it as a key asset for the city. 'It is our view that the proposals set out for the Sheepfolds neighbourhoods will improve operations and fan experience in terms of match days and other events and we remain committed to working with SAFC in relation to their plans for the expansion of the Stadium of Light – we have held many discussions with Mr Louis-Dreyfus and his team to this effect. 'This consultation process provides a real opportunity for the public and stakeholders to share their thoughts with us as the local planning authority and we will consider all views and comments prior to determination of the application.'


BBC News
4 minutes ago
- BBC News
Callender raring to go for Wales after World Cup injury scare
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Scotland v WalesVenue: Salford Community Stadium Date: Saturday, 23 August Kick-off: 14:45 BSTCoverage: Live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online and BBC Sounds Alex Callender has handed Wales a major fitness boost ahead of their crucial Rugby World Cup opener against co-captain had been named in Wales' 32-player squad on Monday, but there were doubts whether the Harlequins back row would feature against their Six Nations rivals on 23 picked up an ankle injury in the second Test defeat against Australia on 1 August, with the sight of her on crutches fuelling fears her tournament could be over before it had begun. But the 25-year-old allayed those fears on Tuesday, confirming her selection availability for when head coach Sean Lynn names his side for their opener in Salford. "It was a precaution to take me off, I just tweaked an old injury, but I'm raring to go for Scotland," Callender said. Callender sat out most of the Six Nations with an ankle injury she picked up while playing for Harlequins, but showed what a miss she had been in Wales' impressive first Test win against the Wallaroos in Brisbane, topping the statistics for tackles and admitted her first thoughts were "Oh God, here we go" when she went down just four minutes into the second Test in asked if she thought her World Cup was over, she added: "Yes, to be honest but I'm in a really good place at the moment, I'm just excited to get going."Lynn said they will manage their star back row carefully, but added reassurance that Wales were "all on track" heading into the Scotland game. Wales' opening game is already being billed as their World Cup final, with Pool B also containing a Canada ranked second in the world and widely expected to top the managed by Wales' former head coach Ioan Cunningham, will also be fighting for one of two spots to the knockout the fixture seems like a deja vu, you would be right. It is exactly the same scenario from the last World Cup. Fortunately for Wales, they edged that contest against the Scots thanks to a last-minute penalty kicked by Keira Bevan."We live for these moments and these Test matches," said Callender."We're all really excited to step out and showcase all the hard work that we've put in over the last couple of months, and hopefully we can put in a performance and the result will follow."


BBC News
4 minutes ago
- BBC News
Itauma v Whyte to be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live
Moses Itauma's heavyweight fight with Dillian Whyte on Saturday in Saudi Arabia will broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC all-British encounter sees the unbeaten Itauma take on seasoned contender and former world title challenger coverage of the main event will begin from 22:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds and the undercard action will be available on 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds from 19:30 Nick Ball defends his WBA featherweight world title against Sam Goodman in the co-main event, while London heavyweight David Adeleye faces Filip will be live text commentary of the undercard and main event on the BBC Sport website and fight night radio commentary team will include Ronald McIntosh, Steve Bunce and retired world champion Richie will also deliver daily podcasts from Riyadh during fight 20, has the chance to make himself a top contender when he takes on 37-year-old young Englishman has 10 knockouts in 12 fights and his 83% stoppage rate has made him one of the most hyped prospects in the Whyte is a huge step up for the youngster, with 34 professional fights and 31 wins under his winner will set themselves up for a run at a world title shot, with Oleksandr Usyk currently holding all the belts after his demolition of Daniel Dubois in July. Who is on the Itauma-Whyte undercard and what is the running order?