Deadline for stalled homes plan extended

It was hoped building would start in Washington almost two years ago

Plans for a stalled extra-care housing scheme have been granted an extension after documentation was delayed.

Sunderland City Council first approved the proposals for 84 apartments and 13 bungalows at Moorway, Washington, in October 2022.

No work has started and last month developers were told to complete a legal agreement by 25 April or risk the plans being refused.

However, on Monday councillors were asked to extend the deadline because there were "quite a few landowners" who needed to agree to the document.

Developers Esh Construction Limited and Gladglider Projects Limited now have until 6 June to finalise the agreement.

Planning officers told the meeting on Monday that there had been "detailed discussions" with the applicant and their representatives which found that "a little bit more time" was needed to complete the document.

Councillors were told that planners were still comfortable to recommend the housing plans for approval.

If the new deadline is missed the planning application will be refused, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Work on the development stalled over the lack of a legal agreement

Developers want to construct a three-storey building, operated by a registered social landlord and aimed at older people, alongside new bungalows.

It was hoped building would start in summer 2023.

Legal agreements are a standard process used by council planning departments to secure financial contributions from developers, with cash earmarked to improve infrastructure and local facilities, as well as reducing impacts of new homes on local nature sites.