Residents asked for thoughts on how city develops

Residents are being asked to share their thoughts on how their city develops in the next 20 years.

Sunderland City Council has begun a consultation on its next local plan - a document outlining which areas are suitable for new housing, offices, shops or leisure facilities.

Residents can highlight areas on an online map where they would like to see developments and see what other people have selected.

Leader at the Reform-led council, Chris Eynon, said the public consultation would also help identify areas to be protected. The consultation is open to 29 September and is available on the council's website, with hard copies available at City Hall and all council libraries.

He said: "The local plan helps residents, employers and developers to understand how the city will be developed over the next 20 years.

"The local plan is an important document as it guides where new development will take place and identifies important areas to be protected."

He added this was "the start of a big conversation about Sunderland's future" and more opportunities would be available to share views as the process goes through different phases.

A survey asks what priorities the council should focus on, such as sustainability, diverse housing or supporting local jobs.

People can also share how they would like transport links to be developed in the city.

Once approved, the plan is due to come into force in 2029.

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