Land to the east of Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland - Consultation

Story Homes is proposing to prepare two planning submissions, including: 

• Prior Notification for Demolition of the existing Eye Hospital site; and 
• A Full Planning Application for the development of 62 residential units on land to the east of Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland. 

The proposal is illustrated in the concept layout, which demonstrates how the site can be sensitively developed to deliver a mix of high-quality homes in a sustainable and well-connected location. The scheme has been carefully designed to respond to the site’s opportunities and surroundings, creating a well-balanced residential environment that supports future growth in the area. Reflecting Story Homes’ commitment to thoughtful design and placemaking, the development aims to create an attractive community. By bringing forward the re-development of previously developed land, the proposals represent an efficient and sustainable use of land, making a positive contribution to the local area.

See Concept Layout here

Story Homes is a housing developer founded in 1987 by Chairman Fred Story, with developments in Cumbria, the North West and North East of England and southern Scotland. Story Homes’ vision is to design and build high-quality homes that people aspire to live in, taking pride in delivering developments that bring something distinctive to the areas in which it operates. Within South Sunderland, this commitment is demonstrated through a growing portfolio of schemes, including the recently completed development at The Birches and the current Hawksley Rise development. These schemes reflect Story Homes’ focus on creating attractive, well-designed homes and places that positively contribute to their surroundings and local communities.

Story Homes holds a five-star customer satisfaction rating from the Home Builders Federation (‘HBF’) and an exceptional 4.9-star Trustpilot rating – placing it as the joint highest-rated housebuilder in its category in the UK new build homes sector. In May 2026, Story Homes was named ‘Housebuilder of the Year’ at the Insider North East Property Awards, recognising commitment to delivering high-quality homes and creating thriving communities across the North East region. 

The site is situated South Sunderland, east of Queen Alexandra Road, which links to Durham Road (A690). The site benefits from an existing access from Queen Alexandra Road to the south-west, which is proposed to be retained as part of the development proposals. 

It is bounded by residential development to the north, east and west and by Southmoor Academy and Sixth Form and playing fields to the south. The surrounding land uses include:

• North - Nilverton Avenue residential estate, Swanton Care Assisted Living Residence (Tynedale House and The Cedars), ESPA College South Hill, Backhouse Park;
• South - Southmoor Academy and Sixth Form and associated sports pitches, Leighton Road residential estate;
• East - Belford Close residential estate, Southmoor Academy and Sixth Form and associated sports pitches, SS Cecilia and Patrick RC Church; and
• West - Queen Alexandra Road and residential estate.

The site is split between two land parcels including the existing NHS Eye Hospital site to the south (the NHS hospital is relocating to its Specialist Eye Hospital at Plater Way, Sunderland in August 2026). The northern parcel is allocated as Open Space but has not been in use or accessible since 2002. A Prior Notification application seeking approval to demolish the existing Eye Hospital site will be submitted in advance of Story Homes’ Full Planning Application for 62 residential dwellings. 

The site is in a highly accessible and sustainable location for residential development, with good proximity to a range of local services and facilities, which would support the needs of future residents. These include Southmoor Academy and Sixth Form, Grangetown Family Dental Health Centre, Villette Surgery, Asda Sunderland Superstore, a Shell service station, St. Michael’s Community Centre, and Villette Road Post Office, among others.

The proposed description of development includes ‘residential development and associated infrastructure’. 

The proposal includes the provision of 62 open market residential dwellings. A concept layout, informed by the site’s opportunities and constraints has been prepared and is available to view as part of this consultation exercise. 

See Concept Layout here

We welcome comments on the emerging proposals, which will continue to evolve throughout the planning process in response to feedback from the local community. 

The layout has been influenced by several factors, including existing access arrangements, surrounding development, physical constraints of the site, the character of the area, and planning policy requirements; including the provision of open space, landscaping, and boundary treatments. 

The scale of the proposed development has been designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding context and adjacent settlements.

Social:

• The site would contribute to an appropriate level of growth in South Sunderland, which is identified as a spatial priority for housing and economic development in Local Plan Policy SP5. It would also help support and maintain the vitality of the settlement, benefiting existing residents.
• The site is in a highly sustainable location near essential services and facilities, including healthcare, education and convenience goods, meeting the day-to-day needs of future residents.
• The site benefits from proximity to public transport options and well-lit pedestrian routes encouraging active and sustainable travel choices.
• The application site is well connected to the surrounding area, with convenient access to main transport links and nearby neighbourhoods, services and facilities.
• The proposed development would enhance safety and security through natural surveillance and the continued active use of the site throughout the day and night.  

Environmental:

• The proposed development would deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain, supporting and enhancing local biodiversity and wildlife. 
• The proposed development would facilitate the long-term re-use of previously developed land at a site that will soon become vacant. 
• An assessment of potential site constraints has confirmed that the site is not affected by any known environmental issues that would prevent the development from coming forward. 

Economic

• The proposed development, would support the local economy through increased expenditure within South Sunderland, helping to sustain local services and facilities and contributing to the continued vitality of the area.
• The additional households would increase footfall to local businesses, including convenience retail, commercial, restaurants, among others.
• The proposal would generate employment opportunities during the construction phase, contributing to short term economic activity within the local area. 
• Once occupied, the scheme would provide a continued economic benefit through increased Council Tax revenue for the Local Authority.

It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted in September 2026. The application will be submitted in full and be accompanied by a suite of planning documents. 

The public consultation will formally run for a 3-week period from 6 July to 27 July 2026. 

A questionnaire is available to complete and provide comments on the questionnaire below.

Complete the questionnaire here

Alternatively, comments can be submitted to the LSH planning consultancy team leading on the project via email at:

storyhomes-sunderland@lsh.co.uk

Or via post to Suite One St Anns Quay, 122 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BD.