Black Cats ponder legal action over homes plan

A SENIOR barrister acting for Sunderland AFC has warned the club could seek a judicial review over Sunderland City Council's ambition to build 600 new homes near the Stadium of Light.

- TOM KEIGHLEY Business writer [e-mail]

David Manley KC said the council's planning department had refused to fully engage with the club over proposals to develop within a buffer zone encircling the stadium in the Sheepfolds area, which the club says threatens any future expansion and jeopardises matchday safety.

Plans have been submitted to demolish 38 industrial units in the shadow of the ground to make way for up to 600 homes.

The council recently appointed Vistry Group as preferred developer for the Sheepfolds neighbourhood.

The club’s objections to the plans have been submitted by planning consultants Peacock + Smith on behalf of the Premier League club.

Last year, Peacock + Smith wrote to the council asking for the club to be made a formal consultee on all future Sheepfolds applications but they are said to have been knocked back, with the council advising the club should register on its automatic notification system.

Club chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has previously warned of the “catastrophic” consequences for the Stadium of Light if the plans were to go ahead, but has said it is not against the principle of more housing in the city.

The club says it was assured in writing last year that development of Sheepfolds would not affect operations at the stadium.