Decision due on city centre homes plan

The proposed development would include communal garden and play areas

Plans for 75 homes on a site once home to printers, cabinet makers and textile workers will be decided next week.

The project, in Sunderland city centre, aims to reinstate two streets demolished in the 2000s.

Including sustainable properties and up to 10 units for businesses and other groups, the development would re-establish a "creative living and working neighbourhood", the city council said.

The site, bound by High Street West, Villiers Street, Coronation Street and Nile Street, forms part of the Labour-led local authority's 10-year plan for Sunniside.

Known as the Nile + Villiers community, the proposed scheme would feature a mix of terraced houses and maisonettes.

There would be open space to the back to provide communal space for residents incorporating landscaping, raised beds for food-growing, a play space and bin storage.

The applicant is Siglion Developments LLP,  part of the council-owned regeneration company Siglion.

Parking concerns

As the development does not propose on-site parking, Northumbria Police raised concerns about "a large number of vehicles" trying to use limited spaces.

However, council planners said parking was "considered acceptable" for a city centre-located development, as the site benefits from nearby parking and "good transport links".

Residents would be able to purchase a permit to park in council-operated multi-storey and off-street car parks.

The Sunniside site is owned by Sunderland City Council

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has recommended the scheme for approval, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A council report added mitigation measures had been recommended for the homes around impacts from road traffic noise, nearby music and dance venues and a car workshop.

These include "windows remaining closed with an alternative means of ventilation and a facade sound insulation".

Developers previously confirmed 65 of the proposed properties would be acquired by built-to-rent specialist Placefirst, with others sold to the public.

Subject to planning permission being granted on Monday, construction work on the council-owned site could start later this year.