Residents living near a proposed 49-home development in the Doxford area of Sunderland have expressed horror at plans for a new mini-roundabout as part of the access route. They are urging planners to listen to their concerns ahead of a crucial meeting this week.
Planning Committee to Decide on Burdon Road Scheme
Sunderland City Council's planning and highways committee is set to discuss proposals for land adjoining Burdon Road in the Doxford locality. Homes By Esh is seeking consent for 49 dwellings on a former agricultural plot, with a vehicular entrance to the south through a new four-arm mini-roundabout junction with The Fold.
During a council public consultation, approximately 10 objections were submitted, including one from ward councillor Heather Fagan. Concerns highlighted include a significant rise in traffic, the overall scheme design, and other issues. A decision was initially expected on March 30 at City Hall, where numerous residents voiced concerns, but councillors postponed a verdict to explore an alternative western entrance.
Council Planners Recommend Approval
In a document released before the planning and highways committee meeting on Wednesday, June 10, council planners have endorsed the unchanged 49-dwelling scheme with a southern entrance for authorization. Residents argue that the development, if approved in its current form, would generate additional traffic and compromise road safety.
Heather Murdoch, who resides at Tunstall Lodge Farm, said she was extremely concerned about the road traffic safety impact on existing residents and any potential future Esh Homes residents. She noted that increasing house construction and traffic in the area has made a nearby junction increasingly dangerous and called for an updated traffic safety analysis from developers, along with further examination of the mini-roundabout and its effects on a single lane track.
Paul Williams, a resident from The Fold, emphasized that locals are not against development but solely the proposed access routes, including a footpath. He said residents had previously highlighted a number of genuine planning concerns that the council must consider.
Councillor Calls for Refusal Until Better Proposal
Michael Peacock, Liberal Democrat councillor for Doxford Park, added: 'We know that this land is earmarked for development; people have not objected to the housing itself but simply the ill thought-out access points. I hope residents' concerns are taken seriously on Wednesday evening by the planning and highways committee, and they refuse permission until the developer can come up with a better proposal.'
Dale Morris, technical director at Homes by Esh, previously stated the applicant was committed to bringing forward high-quality homes that respond positively to local needs and priorities. Ashbrooke Sports Club, which owns the land designated for residential development, has indicated the proposals would eliminate the club's financial liabilities and secure sporting facilities in the city for generations to come.
A council committee document stated that the proposed southern vehicle entrance could manage the flow of incoming and outgoing traffic for both the new site and existing residential properties at The Fold. It noted that developers had discounted alternative access arrangements due to legal and land ownership constraints.
The ultimate decision lies with councillors on the planning and highways committee, who will examine the residential proposals at a session on Wednesday, June 10, at City Hall from 5.30pm.
