The club’s former chairman, whose vision and backing led to the creation of the Stadium of Light in 1997, says the council’s latest development plan for the Sheepfolds area is “unworkable, not worthy of discussion and needs to be binned”.
Sir Bob welcomes and encourages investment in the city and “isn’t against Sheepfolds” but says the latest development plan – which would see dense housing built up against the stadium – would prevent any future expansion of the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have confirmed their intentions to oppose the plans, with chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus saying the development would have “catastrophic consequences” for the football club.
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Sir Bob and Louis-Dreyfus have since been backed by Sunderland’s largest fan group, the Red and White Army Supporters Trust, who said: “The plans as presented could be considered a restriction on current operations and the future aspirations of our football club.
“The Red and White Army Supporters Trust, respectfully ask that Sunderland City Council consider their residential development proposals for Sheepfolds, and engage with the club in order to create a shared vision for the city that works for everyone in Sunderland.”
In an exclusive interview with The Northern Echo, Sir Bob says the reaction this week has been “overwhelming” and said he spoke out “in the best interests of our football club”, once again urging supporters, residents and businesses to object ahead of tonight’s deadline.
“It’s something that isn’t my style and is something I don’t want to do,” said Sir Bob.
“I like working together to further the North East and the city, but I had a gun to my head with this date of August 15th.
“I’ve been left in a situation where I had to come out and put the record straight. The reaction has been overwhelming, as you’d expect, because what’s at stake is massive.”
Sir Bob continued: “It’s a difficult site. When I built the stadium I left it so it could be easily extended on three sides.
“The North Side I did before I went. If I did it now it wouldn’t happen because there’s an Olympic pool there, Hilton hotel and the magnificent Beacon of Light. So thank God I did that.
“Sunderland is such an attractive club worldwide because of its fanbase and infrastructure. Somebody one day will extend that ground and take it to its capacity.
“I feel sorry for the club, they don’t need this at this moment in time. It’s a distraction. That planning application needs ripping up. You can’t work with it. It’s that flawed.
“I’m not against housing but it should not impact on the potential of the Stadium of Light being a 63,000 ground like it can be eventually.”
Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Melia said “robust assurances” have been given that the planned development will not impact on stadium operations or any potential expansion in the future.
He said: “The current planning application for Sheepfolds is subject to a rigorous statutory planning process including extensive public and stakeholder consultation as would be any application for expansion of the stadium.
“The council has sought specialist support and expertise in developing the proposals that are currently out for consultation. This is because we very much recognise the importance of the Stadium of Light as an asset for the city, residents and all visitors.”
The row has broken out in the week that Sunderland prepare to this weekend return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
“I feel sorry for the football club having to deal with this,” said Sir Bob.
“It’s a distraction. They’re trying to get players in.
“The workload involved in this is horrendous. When the club puts its objection in, which it has to do on Friday night, you’ll see the extent of the work the club has had to do. It is enormous and enormous cost just to defend its situation.”
Sir Bob added: “I’m not saying they should extend the ground now, but when it’s an appropriate time.
“If Kyril doesn’t extend he wants to leave it so it can be extended in the future. He doesn’t want to lose that. He gets Sunderland. He’ll fight to protect that.
“I know Kyril is spending money on advice and guidance to make sure the right thing happens for the club and city.
“There should be residential on Sheepfolds, but not where it is and to that quantity. It’s wrong, it’s so blatantly wrong.”
