Concerns raised over access and parking

However, at their meeting on Monday night, members did accept that the vacant plot, off Main Street, between the award-winning St Cuthbert’s House B&B and Islestone Drive, is appropriate for development.

Applicant Mark Goodson, of Goodson Homes, want to build nine properties on the site, which is currently empty and surrounded by residential development on all sides.

The scheme would comprise a detached, two-storey house; three detached, one-and-a-half-storey dwellings; two semi-detached, one-and-a-half-storey homes and three terraced, one-and-a-half-storey properties.

When discussed by North Sunderland Parish Council, Coun David Donaldson questioned whether there was enough parking on the site, particularly given that the ration in the neighbourhood plan being worked on is one parking space per bedroom.

Chairman, Coun Geoffrey Stewart was worried that the internal roads would not be wide enough for two cars to pass each other, while Coun Maureen Bramley questioned whether more than one vehicle would be able to use the access point at any one time.

The meeting heard that the owners of St Cuthbert’s House do not have an objection to the site being developed, but are concerned about potential overlooking into their windows.