New depot to replace 'not fit for purpose' site
Sunderland City CouncilPlans to replace a council depot for gritters and bin lorries have been lodged.
Sunderland City Council has submitted an application to its own planning department to develop a site at Cygnet Way at Rainton Bridge Business Park.
It would replace the authority's Houghton Depot at Market Place Industrial Estate, which the council said was "too small to meet needs and demands".
Council documents said issues with the existing depot included the energy efficiency of the buildings, increased traffic and road safety issues in the area.
The new depot would include offices, workshops and a garage to house road sweepers, tractors, grass cutters, trailers and other equipment, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Planning documents said it would give "better and greater access to major roads" and would have energy efficiency measures such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.
The documents added: "The existing depot at Gravel Walks, Houghton-le-Spring, has reached the end of its service life and is no longer fit for purpose.
"There is insufficient room to support current operations and with the closure of the South Hylton depot and the transfer of services to the Houghton-le-Spring depot, space will become even more limited."
A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by 30 June.