'Disgrace' – Sir Bob blasts council over 'stadium-blocking' Sheepfolds

Sir Bob Murray has warned Sunderland City Council's Sheepfolds regeneration plans could jeopardise potential Stadium of Light expansion.

- by James Copley

Sir Bob accused the local authority of betraying the city, the football club and local people by pushing forward a planning scheme that he believes could impact the club's development.

The former Sunderland chairman, who led the creation of the stadium and safeguarded its long-term future, says the council's latest development plan for the Sheepfolds area abandons agreed protections and risks landlocking one of the city’s greatest assets.

"This is not just poor planning, it’s a disgrace," said Sir Bob.

"You don’t strangle your greatest asset and call it progress."

The council's plan would allow housing to be built right up against the stadium - which Sir Bob says will wipe out a protective zone included in the council’s own planning blueprint just a few years ago.

Known as the Riverside Sunderland SPD, that blueprint recognised the Stadium of Light as a vital part of the city and clearly stated that nearby development must not interfere with stadium operations or future expansion.

A buffer zone was added, with the club’s full support, to ensure long-term growth remained possible.

"I helped shape those protections," added Sir Bob.

"The council agreed them and now they've torn them up."

He says the council's revised plan puts future stadium development, including a proposed redevelopment of the South Stand, at serious risk.

The club recently submitted a pre-application notification for redevelopment and extension of the south stand.