By: Chris Binding, Local Democracy Reporter
Controversial plans for a new convenience store in Hetton are set to be decided by a government-appointed planning inspector.
An appeal has been lodged against Sunderland City Council’s recent decision to refuse plans for a new shop at Station Road.
The local authority’s Planning and Highways Committee blocked plans for the change of use of the former car sales showroom earlier this month, following road safety and parking concerns.
Since the plans were submitted last year, works have taken place at the site including new signage advertising it as a Go Local Extra store.
A majority of city councillors on the decision-making panel voted to refuse the planning application on parking grounds, particularly around the level of vehicle parking proposed.
The decision followed a site visit by councillors and a number of public objections to the conversion, and the refusal went against the advice of council planning officers, who had recommended the scheme for approval.
The refusal was voted through despite arguments that the shop scheme had been changed to address local concerns, including restrictions around opening hours/delivery times, relocating a condenser unit and recent changes to “informalise” parking in front of the store.
It has been confirmed that the applicant is contesting the council refusal decision and has submitted an appeal to the national Planning Inspectorate.
A planning inspector will now be appointed by the secretary of state to rule on the matter, which could see the council’s refusal decision being upheld or thrown out.
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)
