Member Article

6,000 people add to Sunderland’s draft Core Strategy and Development Plan

Over 6,000 Sunderland locals have had their say on an upcoming major economic plan designed to improve the fortunes of the city.

Sunderland’s draft Core Strategy and Development Plan, which looks at jobs, business growth, transport links and housing needs, has welcomed consultation from residents since earlier this summer.

Following the ending of the consultation period, city planners are now reviewing all responses to identify any changes to be made to the Plan, and include new ideas prompted by the feedback from local people.

Cllr Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, explained: “I’m delighted that the consultation that will help to shape the city’s future encouraged thousands of local people to have their say.

“This is a hugely important document which will lie behind major changes to our city for the next 18 years. We were very keen that people of all ages who care about the growth and success of our city took part in the process.”

A detailed feedback report will be published, which will be online at the City Council website and in printed form early next year.

It will set out the range of views received during the consultation and summarise how these have been taken into account in the next version of the draft Plan. The City Council puts a high priority on achieving an adopted Local Plan to set out clearly the city’s ambitions.

There will be a six-week consultation period early next year for people to respond to this updated version of the Plan. The City Council will publicise dates of the consultation in early 2018.

The Local Plan aims to deliver 13,800 new homes needed in Sunderland by 2033, while minimising the negative impact on the environment and local amenity. It will also seek to provide at least 95 hectares of land to help create and support jobs.

Transport links will be improved with new strategic road infrastructure and it backs the Metro expansion in Sunderland.

Improving the quality of life and community development are central to the Plan, with mobility, connectivity, health, wellbeing, skills and education all included in its wide-ranging remit.

The roadshow consultations attracted the attention of thousands of people, including Sunderland’s Youth Parliament.

Youth Parliament member Rachel Krajovska said: “It was great for the Youth Parliament to be involved in this sort of consultation. It’s exactly why we exist – to be part of the city’s activities and plans for the future.

“There’s a lot to do in the Plan and I hope the big ideas turn into action. I’m sure we’ll be nicely surprised with the developments as they come along – we’ll have to wait and see.”