Latest news with #Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Plans for 600 homes at Sunderland's Sheepfolds submitted
A city council has officially submitted plans for up to 600 new homes at a former industrial proposals, for the land at the Sheepfolds Industrial Estate in Sunderland, include a mix of apartments and townhouses with private gardens, as well as commercial and community buildings have been demolished to make way for the development and the application is seeking to pull down nine more. There have been plans for housing in the area for some time, with the council recently appointing Vistry Group as its preferred developer. Planning documents said it was not possible to provide details about affordable housing at the site at this stage. A financial viability review supporting the affordable housing document said the scheme had "significant viability challenges and will require additional grant funding in order to be delivered", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The council's affordable housing statement said: "The applicant confirms their understanding of the importance of affordable housing provision and this will be thoroughly considered once ownership details and plot-specific development proposals are confirmed and become available." 'Supress car ownership' A design and access statement said a "key strategy" for the development was to "suppress car ownership for residents".It said this would be achieved by "providing levels of car parking below council standards" and designing the scheme to "keep vehicles out of sight".Planning documents confirmed a maximum of 400 parking spaces would be provided, 20% of which would be for electric vehicle (EV) parking.A decision on the plans is expected by 4 November after a consultation period. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Sunderland City Council block 'unacceptable' HMO
Plans for a new shared home have been blocked after being labelled "unacceptable" and "harmful" by council development City Council has refused proposals for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) at Riversdale Terrace in Sunderland's Millfield ward, due to the number already in the area and risk of anti-social behaviour. Planners said the house, which was proposed to be converted into a seven-bedroom dwelling across three floors, would "lead to an overconcentration of HMOs" if applicant has the right to challenge the council refusal decision by lodging an appeal with the Secretary of State. The initial proposed site plan showed all HMO bedrooms offering an en-suite bathroom, and some bedrooms served by also stated there would be a bin storage area and noted no parking would be provided, although plans were later amended to provide one space, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. 'Undermine quality of life' Council planners said there would be "adequate living space and an acceptable standard of amenity" for future they said its approval would result in the number of HMOs exceeding 10% of all residential properties within 100m (328ft), which went against council planning said the plans were an "inappropriate development" and would work against "the aim of creating places that are safe, inclusive and crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience".Northumbria Police also objected to those living in rooms on the second floor having to "travel the full height of the building to store food and prepare meals", as well as the "small amount of external space" and "potential for anti-social behaviour to spill out into the surrounding locality".Council planners concluded it would be "unacceptable as it would be considered to be harmful to the character and amenities of the area". Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- BBC News
Whitby cliff lift replacement bus service reviewed
The future of the bus service that replaced Whitby's cliff lift is set to be reviewed due to low passenger uptake and high running free service has been in operation since 2022, when the discovery of structural corrosion closed the cliff lift with operating costs of more than £50,000 per season and with an average of only 630 single journeys per month, North Yorkshire Council has launched a public consultation on the bus's leader Carl Les said a decision would then be reached based on "accessibility, demand and financial responsibility". "We understand how important the seafront in Whitby is for residents and visitors alike," he said."However, with the cliff lift currently closed and the use of the replacement bus service low and of great cost to the taxpayer, it's only right that we review the future of the service."According to the council, while it would be possible to restore the lift to working order, this would come at a significant 2024, this was estimated at over £1m, according to the Local Democracy Reporting caused by water seeping into the lift's structure and ventilation issues could also continue to pose challenges in the future, as would the cost of operation and the consultation, a report will be presented to the council's executive members to determine the future of the replacement bus service. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
