Respite centre campaigners in pledge to objectors

A new "short breaks" care centre in Sunderland supporting disabled children was approved

Campaigners who fought for approval of a new respite care centre for disabled children and their families have vowed work with those who objected to the plans.

Permission for a new site at Red Gables in East Rainton was approved by Sunderland City Council earlier this week despite many objections.

A statement on the Give us a Break campaign's Facebook page said: "From all the children who cannot speak, we thank the council members who understood their representation."

It follows the loss of the city's only respite care services in November 2023, which sparked campaigns by the affected families.

Red Gables will care for up to five children aged between five and 17 and could potentially open in spring 2026.

A lengthy planning process saw proposals withdrawn and resubmitted due to land disputes.

The centre drew opposition from dozens of people concerned about traffic, noise and privacy issues, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It its Facebook post, Give us a Break said: "We’d like to assure objectors that we respect your concerns and hope to alleviate them."

Councillor Michael Butler, recently appointed cabinet member for children's services, child poverty and skills, said: "We have worked extensively with various stakeholders to ensure we get this right."