Kyril Louis-Dreyfus handed boost as revised Sheepfolds plan safeguards Stadium of Light growth | OneFootball

Sunderland City Council has redrawn its Sheepfolds blueprint to safeguard space around the Stadium of Light, easing fears over future expansion under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. The revision installs a stronger commercial buffer beside the ground and removes housing from the plot nearest the stadium.

According to Sunderland Echo, Plot 1 will be restricted to commercial uses and the overall housing cap falls from up to 600 to up to 456. The update also places greater weight on public realm, with scope for fan zones, plazas and leisure space.

The shift follows fierce criticism of earlier plans from former chairman Sir Bob Murray and concerns voiced by Louis-Dreyfus. The previous layout had set dense housing close to the ground, which opponents said would landlock the stadium.

The revision integrates discussions on a potential south stand extension, and the indicated distances from Plot 1 are said to be sufficient to accommodate future growth. A fresh application covers 450 homes, with new office space forming part of the buffer in place of some residential units. The blueprint is framed as protecting long-term club ambitions while delivering regeneration.

Sheepfolds is the largest element of the Riverside Sunderland programme, targeting 1,000 homes across a 79-acre site beside the River Wear. The proposals are due before the planning committee in the spring, with construction potentially starting towards the end of 2026. The club has acknowledged the update and looks forward to the next planning steps.

Source: Sunderland Echo