Communities across Sunderland are being invited to share their first thoughts on a new Local Plan and how the city should develop over the next 20 years.
All councils responsible for planning and development prepare a Local Plan, which sets out how an area could grow and where new homes, jobs and infrastructure may be located.
As part of an early engagement exercise with residents, businesses, public bodies and other stakeholders, Sunderland City Council is now collecting thoughts on what the main issues are for Sunderland’s next Local Plan. These thoughts and comments will help the council develop the vision and objectives for the plan.
The council is also asking for views on how best to consult residents on an ongoing basis as the plan is developed.
This early engagement with everyone across the city runs until the end of the month.
Full details are online at Have Your Say Today - Sunderland's Local Plan - Commonplace (https://sunderland-local-plan.commonplace.is/) and hard copies of the main consultation document are available to view in City Hall and all council libraries.
An online survey, interactive map are all at the link.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Chris Eynon 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.
"All residents and every business, group or organisation with a stake in Sunderland are urged to let us know their initial thoughts and to engage with the process as the plan is developed.
"I'd encourage as many people as possible to share their thoughts and continue to engage with us as the plan is developed over the next few years.
This scoping stage is the very start of the Local Plan engagement aprocess and there will be many more opportunities for residents to have their say as the Local Plan drafts are developed.
The four-week scoping engagement exercise started this week on Tuesday 1 September and closes at 5pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026.
Cllr Eynon added:
This is the start of a big conversation about Sunderland's future, and we want to hear from as many people as possible. Whether you have views on housing, transport, neighbourhood centres, employment, green spaces or community facilities, your feedback can help shape the direction of the plan.
"I would encourage everyone with an interest in Sunderland's future to take part, complete the survey, share their thoughts and tell us what matters most to them. The views we receive will help inform the next stages of the Local Plan and ensure local communities are at the heart of the process.
As Sunderland begins work on its next Local Plan, similar work has begun in Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle and Northumberland.
Image caption: Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Chris Eynon - Sunderland's big conversation about future development is beginning.
