Food production extensions at Unit U Wellmere Road Leechmere Industrial Estate, Sunderland

What is proposed

The application seeks production and warehousing extensions, demolition of some existing buildings, and a new access serving 50 additional parking spaces.

“Reference No.: 25/00939/FUL Full Application Proposal: Erection of proposed production and warehousing extensions to existing food production facility, including demolition of some elements of the existing buildings and creation of new access for additional car parking area.”

“The land to the east of the site, which falls within the ownership of the applicant, was previously occupied by a thick wooded tree belt, however these trees, along with further buffer trees positioned along the northern curtilage, were removed sometime between August 2023 and May 2024 prior to the submission of this application. Vehicular access into and egress from the site is provided from the north via Wellmere Road.”

Officer report

Earlier site changes

A wooded tree belt and northern buffer trees were removed before the application, and the eastern land is proposed for parking.

“The land to the east would be repurposed for parking, creating an additional 50 spaces to accommodate new staff. An additional HGV dock is also proposed. The extensions would effectively wrap around the existing facility on the western and southern elevations (in respect of the prep area and production areas) with some further development along the northern and eastern areas of the site (in respect of warehousing).”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the Executive Director of Economy and Place presented the report and outlined the key issues for the committee.

Members’ discussion

Members asked no questions and made no comments before the chairperson put the recommendation to the committee.

“There being no questions or comments from Members the Chairperson put the recommendation to the Committee and with all Members being in agreement it was:-”

Minutes