New strategy set to map Sunderland's future

A North East local authority is preparing a new blueprint for growth, housing and infrastructure development.

Sunderland City Council’s cabinet is expected to approve work on a simplified Local Plan, setting out the city’s development priorities for the next 15 to 20 years.

The new document is intended to make it easier for communities to understand planned developments in their area, while supporting the delivery of new homes, employment opportunities and infrastructure.

Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We want to see development that is connected to our communities. 

“We want people in Sunderland to understand what the council is delivering on their doorstep, and the impact it will have on their city and on their lives – whether it’s about creating new jobs, new places for them to enjoy or new homes for them to live in.

“This decision represents the start of the journey and there will be plenty of opportunities for local communities to engage with the process along the way, including an early engagement exercise on the scope and content of the local plan which is expected to commence in September.”

Sunderland is set to be among the first authorities to prepare a new-style local plan following Government reforms to the planning system.

The updated approach will move away from large technical documents towards a faster, more digital and delivery-focused plan with measurable outcomes.

The proposal will be discussed by the council’s newly appointed cabinet on June 25.

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