Pub garden alterations at Cross Keys, Spout Lane, Washington
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Sunderland Planning and Highways Committee on 20 Jul 2026.
What was proposed
The application proposed a pergola, outdoor seating, fencing, walling, an external bar, a retractable awning and festoon lighting.
“26/00729/FUL Full Application Proposal: Proposed external alterations at rear of premises to add new timber pergola, new external seating area with new fencing & walling, new external bar servery, new retractable awning canopy and new festoon lighting.”
Officer report
What officers recommended
Officers recommended refusal because outdoor activity could harm neighbouring amenity and the loss of parking could harm highway safety.
“With regard to amenity, the proposals are close to surrounding residential properties which abut the car park. The outdoor operation ceases at 22.30 whilst the PH is open until 11pm, however it is considered that the additional outdoor seating would be likely to lead to additional outdoor noise from patrons.”
“The Council's Future Transport Team have objected to the proposal on highway safety grounds due to the loss of on-site parking and the likelihood of this leading to vehicles being parked on street within the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the proposal would lead to increase the attractiveness of the venue and capacity, generating additional customers and further pressure on an already reduced parking provision in the area.”
Officer report
Who spoke
An officer presented the report and advised the committee about the key issues for deciding the application.
Members’ questions
Members asked no questions or made comments before the recommendation was put to the committee.
“The Chairperson thanked the Officer for their presentation and opened up the meeting for questions from Members.”
“There being no questions or comments from Members, the Chairperson put the recommendation to the Committee and it was :-”
Minutes
The committee vote
The chairperson put the recommendation to the committee, which resolved to refuse planning permission.
“RESOLVED that Members REFUSE planning permission for the reasons set out within the report…”
Minutes
Sources
- Sunderland Planning and Highways Committee minutes, 20 July 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Sunderland's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Sunderland
- Date
- Monday 20 July 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Refused
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Sunderland committee decisions →
This committee's year
24 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.