Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy set to expand with new Washington location approval
by Chris Binding · ChronicleLiveDevelopment chiefs have given the go-ahead for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training academy to move to a new location in Washington.
Sunderland City Council's planning department has approved an application to repurpose a vacant industrial unit within Crowther Industrial Estate for "indoor sports and recreation" use, specifically as a martial arts school.
The plans were submitted by North East Jiu Jitsu earlier this year, who are understood to already operate an academy from a unit at Pattinson Industrial Estate in Washington. The proposed layout for unit 26 at Crowther Industrial Estate on Phoenix Road includes an open plan jiu jitsu area and seating area, with no changes to existing parking or access arrangements.
It was also indicated that North East Jiu Jitsu was limited by its current premises and was looking to expand with a move to a new location. During a council consultation exercise on the plans, there were five comments submitted in support and one in objection.
One supporting comment praised North East Jiu Jitsu as a "nationally recognised gym known for producing homegrown athletes who are successful on the local, national and world stage" and noted that a large number of members live locally. The gym is known for providing programmes for all age groups, from toddlers and teens to adults, as well as promoting life skills.
Promoting healthy lifestyles, the gym "never opens for more than 2.5 hours at a time", offering a blend of daytime and evening classes.
One supportive comment mentioned that the gym would "make a great addition to Crowther Industrial Estate" and would also "enhance" another fitness business nearby.
However, a single objection was raised by a neighbouring business, voicing concerns about parking, access issues, and the impact on customers, highlighting the already "horrendous" parking situation in the area, including problems with vehicles parked on double yellow lines affecting deliveries and parking being on a "first come first served" basis.
The council’s highways department acknowledged in a report that the proposed martial arts school could generate more traffic than the previous industrial use but noted that "there appears to be ample parking on Phoenix Road and the applicant states that the busiest times for the business would be outside of standard business hours".
After reviewing the planning application and measuring it against planning policies, Sunderland City Council’s planning department gave the green light on November 6, 2024.
In their decision report, council planners noted that the industrial unit had been available for over two years and the applicant had "acceptably demonstrated that sequentially preferable sites are not currently available".
No concerns were raised by the council’s environmental health team regarding "noise and nuisance".
The council's highways department has requested a secure covered cycle shelter to be provided due to "noise and nuisance". The council decision report states: "The proposal is considered to represent an acceptable use of the premises. It is not considered that the proposal would be detrimental to the designated employment centre and the applicant has acceptably demonstrated that sequentially preferable sites are not currently available. The proposals raise no concerns regarding local amenity, visual amenity or highway safety."
Under planning conditions, the change of use must take place within three years.
For more details on the planning application or council decision, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 24/00663/FUL.
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