Plans to turn vacant pub into shop refused

Plans to transform a fire-hit former pub into a shop have been blocked by councillors following road safety fears and petitions with more 200 signatures.

Sunderland City Council refused an application to convert the former Traveller's Rest pub in the city's Shiney Row ward.

The plans sparked three petitions, which 210 people signed, and 21 letters of objection.

The council said the shop would attract "vehicles to and from the site" and without better parking provisions, pedestrian and highway safety could be affected.

Residents were also worried about possible anti-social behaviour and litter.

Councillor Iain Scott said bringing the building back into use was a "sound idea" but agreed the lack of adequate parking meant the application should be refused, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officers cited highways data which said there had been 20 accidents along that section of the A182 over the past 23 years.

Following the vote, a representative for the applicant said the same issue would be true no matter what the building was converted into.

In response, councillor Melanie Thornton said the council wanted the building "brought back into use" but had to put the "safety" of residents first.

A fire engulfed the building in March 2023. No-one was hurt in the blaze.

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