Subway plan backed in regeneration effort

Hundreds of homes are also set to be built in the Sheepfolds area

Plans for a subway and bridge aimed at providing better connectivity as part of a city's regeneration have been approved.

The links at the north west end of Sunderland's Sheepfolds Industrial Estate, were backed unanimously at a meeting of the city council's planning committee.

The area is viewed by the authority as a key site in its riverside development plan.

Entertainment venue Sheepfolds Stables is set to open later this week, while commercial units are to make way for hundreds of new homes.

The council has backed the creation of a "10m-wide (32ft) pre-cast subway and bridge structure" above a historic cobbled path once linked to the Wearmouth Colliery quay.

A pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Wear, linking the former Vaux brewery site to Sheepfolds, is currently being built.

Councillor Iain Scott, who represents the Hetton ward, told the meeting which approved the latest plans: "This will supplement the new footbridge that is currently under construction."