PLANNING permission has been granted for a housing scheme at a former employment site which has been empty for 10 years.

Muse Developments has been given the go-ahead for 125 properties at Emerson Road, Washington.

Muse’s proposals will pave the way for delivery of a sustainable scheme on a prominent 10-acre site within an established and popular residential location to the north of the Western Highway (A195).

Following an extremely high level of support from the local community, Sunderland city councillors unanimously approved the plans.

The proposed development will lead to a significant number of social and economic benefits for the Washington area by increasing much- needed housing supply, local spending and creating valuable construction jobs.

Muse Developments’ senior development surveyor Simon Dew said: “We are delighted to have secured planning consent for a development that will make a major contribution to the vitality and character of the wider Washington area.”

Muse has now sold the site to Newcastle-based housebuilder Bellway Homes, which will take the scheme forward.