Amended plans for city development proposed

> Revised plans to transform Sheepfolds Sunderland into a vibrant new community have been submitted for approval

- DAVID HUNTLEY

> Revised plans to transform Sheepfolds Sunderland into a vibrant new community have been submitted for approval

REVISED plans have been lodged for an ambitious Sunderland development after complaints were made by the city’s football club.

An amended planning application has been submitted for a 450-home residential community at Sheepfolds, near the Stadium of Light.

The new proposals form part of the Mayoral Creative Development Zone supported by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and are the result of consultations with Sunderland AFC.

Adjustments have also been made to designs that are said will “safeguard ongoing operations at the Stadium of Light and ensure any future expansion is not restricted”.

Last year, proposals generated significant debate, notably a prominent challenge from the football club citing worries the development might compromise the future of Stadium of Light expansion possibilities.

This encompassed the “proposed redevelopment of the south stand”, which ex-Sunderland chairman Sir Bob Murray said would face “serious risk” due to council construction within what was previously a “buffer zone”, alongside broader anxieties that the scheme might limit the venue’s capacity to stage concerts, community gatherings and Premier League fixtures.