Plans for cafe near monument revived

Controversial plans for a cafe at the foot of a historic landmark have been revived.

Proposals for the site at the bottom of Penshaw Hill, near Sunderland, were refused in March.

It followed a number of objections, including from the National Trust, with concerns raised about the "impact on the setting" of Penshaw Monument and "the potential for unacceptable ecological, landscape and traffic impacts".

Green Property Developments Ltd, which is making another attempt for planning permission, aims to make it "low profile and unobtrusive".

A design, access and heritage statement claims the development would have a "minimal impact upon the openness of the Green Belt" and would "not result in significant harm" to the Grade I listed Penshaw Monument site.

Previous plans were refused following concerns about highway safety and impacts on the Green Belt, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The developers say the new plan would not affect nearby residential properties or reduce privacy.

The design statement says: "The proposal would provide significant employment opportunities and the proposal would provide a high-quality service.

"The proposal should be categorised as grey belt land as confirmed by the council Green Belt assessment, the site is in a sustainable location, it does not compromise town centre viability and the site satisfies highway criteria."

Planning documents state refreshments would be available between 10am and 5pm, seven days a week.

A consultation period will be held before Sunderland City Council's planning team make a decision.

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