Mixed-use city-centre development at 56-90 High Street West, Sunderland

“25/01696/LOU – Outline planning application for a mixed-used development which could include retail, food and drink, commercial, offices, residential uses and serviced apartments (Use Classes C1, C3, E and sui generis), demolition of the existing buildings (full or partial), demolition of the pedestrian bridge over St Mary's Boulevard, with associated infrastructure and landscaping works (all matters reserved except access) (response to Environment Agency comments received…”

“For the reasons provided in the main agenda report, the application is considered acceptable. The amended recommendation is as follows:”

“RECOMMENDATION: (a) MINDED TO GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Regulations), subject to the updated recommended schedule of draft conditions provided below and the completion of a legal agreement.”

“(b) If the legal agreement is not completed by 30 th September 2026 then REFUSE planning permission for the reason below:”

“There does not exist a mechanism to provide the relevant planning obligations required to mitigate the impact of the proposed development and make it acceptable in planning terms, namely financial contributions towards the Coastal Mitigation Strategy (HRA mitigation), BNG monitoring and education provision.”

“Councillor Wood enquired if they would be retaining the old street names and also what would happen to the clock at M&S if the frontage was kept. The Planning Officer advised that it would not be a decision for him to make with regards to the street names and with regards to the clock he did not see why the clock couldn’t be kept and the drawings did appear to include the clock.”

“There being no further questions or comments from Members, the Chairperson put the Officers recommendation, as set out in the supplementary report to the Committee. it was:-”

“(a) MINDED TO GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Regulations), subject to the recommended schedule of draft conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.”

“(b) If the legal agreement is not completed by 30 June 2026 then REFUSE planning permission for the reason below: There does not exist a mechanism to provide the relevant planning obligations required to mitigate the impact of the proposed development and make it acceptable in planning terms, namely financial contributions towards the Coastal Mitigation Strategy (HRA mitigation), BNG monitoring and education provision.”