Fears shop closure would create 'ghost town'

Dozens of objections have been submitted against plans to demolish part of a discount shop to make way for a new care development.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department is considering an outline planning application for up to 47 "assisted living flats", which would require the partial demolition of the Southwick B&M shop.

The retailer is among those objecting, describing B&M as a "significant facility" which employs more than 30 people.

The developers argue the existing B&M building is of "poor design" and that new plans "present an opportunity to enhance the character of the site".

The plans from Ropley Properties Limited would see a mix of one and two-bedroom units for "people in need of care", along with up to eight two-bedroom  "independent living" residential apartments for over-55s.

The development would include a smaller convenience style shop, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But one objector said the loss of B&M would be "the end of an era for the Village Green", while another said the plan would make the area a "ghost town".

Southwick’s three ward councillors, Michael Butler, Alex Samuels and Kelly Chequer also submitted a joint statement.

"We welcome developments that enhance our area, but they should not come at the expense of our heritage and the vibrant shopping atmosphere that has characterised Southwick Green for generations," the statement said.

The planning statement acknowledged there had been "objection to the loss of the B&M retail unit from local residents as part of the consultation exercise".

However, it noted retail units were not classed as a "community facility" under planning policies.

A decision on the outline planning application is expected to be made later this year.

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