MURRAY ON PLANNING OBJECTION Bob Murray has released the following statement against the latest development plan for the Sheepfolds area, arguing that it could block any future expansion of the Stadium of Light. The former Sunderland chairman has accused the Council of going back on their 'protective zone' included in the original planning blueprint, instead building as close to the SoL as possible. This would prevent any potential expansion on the South Stand. Murray said: “This is not just poor planning — it’s a disgrace. You don’t strangle your greatest asset and call it progress. I helped shape those protections. The Council agreed then. And now they’ve torn them up." He says the club recently submitted a pre-application notification for re-development and extension of the south stand: “I’m aware the Club will be formally objecting and I fully support their position. The Council’s plans are shameful, short-sighted and completely unacceptable.” He understands the club also received only a token reply — and only after the Council’s own application had already been filed. The Council has since claimed that ground-floor commercial units with flats above — built just metres from the stadium — could replace the buffer zone. Murray dismisses that as “a ridiculous explanation that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. The Council is trying to rewrite its own rules behind closed doors — and in doing so, it risks sabotaging a major driver of jobs, pride and regeneration forever.” Bob says he raised initial concerns but the Council responded with reassurances including written personal guarantees from its Chief Executive that the stadium’s future would be protected and that meaningful dialogue with the Club would continue: “None of those promises have been kept. There’s been no real consultation, no transparency and no accountability.” He concluded: “This isn’t just about football. It’s about Sunderland’s identity, investment and ambition. If this plan goes ahead, we risk repeating the same short-sighted mistakes that once doomed Roker Park — and the city will regret it for decades. Every fan, and every resident who cares about our city, should be outraged. We must come together to stop this before it’s too late.”
From ALS fb page MURRAY ON PLANNING OBJECTION Bob Murray has released the following statement against the latest development plan for the Sheepfolds area, arguing that it could block any future expansion of the Stadium of Light. The former Sunderland chairman has accused the Council of going back on their 'protective zone' included in the original planning blueprint, instead building as close to the SoL as possible. This would prevent any potential expansion on the South Stand. Murray said: “This is not just poor planning — it’s a disgrace. You don’t strangle your greatest asset and call it progress. I helped shape those protections. The Council agreed then. And now they’ve torn them up." He says the club recently submitted a pre-application notification for re-development and extension of the south stand: “I’m aware the Club will be formally objecting and I fully support their position. The Council’s plans are shameful, short-sighted and completely unacceptable.” He understands the club also received only a token reply — and only after the Council’s own application had already been filed. The Council has since claimed that ground-floor commercial units with flats above — built just metres from the stadium — could replace the buffer zone. Murray dismisses that as “a ridiculous explanation that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. The Council is trying to rewrite its own rules behind closed doors — and in doing so, it risks sabotaging a major driver of jobs, pride and regeneration forever.” Bob says he raised initial concerns but the Council responded with reassurances including written personal guarantees from its Chief Executive that the stadium’s future would be protected and that meaningful dialogue with the Club would continue: “None of those promises have been kept. There’s been no real consultation, no transparency and no accountability.” He concluded: “This isn’t just about football. It’s about Sunderland’s identity, investment and ambition. If this plan goes ahead, we risk repeating the same short-sighted mistakes that once doomed Roker Park — and the city will regret it for decades. Every fan, and every resident who cares about our city, should be outraged. We must come together to stop this before it’s too late.”
Sir Bob is urging supporters, residents and local businesses to submit their own objections to the Council's Sheepfolds application (ref. 25/01416/HY3) and speak out. “This is Sunderland’s future we’re talking about. Don’t let them block it. Make your voice heard.” https://www.sunderlandecho.com/spor...c/sir-bob-murray-sunderland-sheepfold-5264968
Probably the right thing for Jones to do, for him personally. Could be seen as a conflict of interests.
I think that makes the most sense here. Basically hosts every premier league sky game, so just takes out any noise about being impartial or whatever. Didnt realise he was here that long! Not sure how much of an impact he had but he was a part of this successful part of the journey so thanks and good luck to him.
We haven’t out grown him, he’s a MLF and helped the club at its lowest point, he’s now letting better people push on further.
Yeah seems to have been a big part of it. I was skeptical at first coz he was mates with the Oxford 2, but seems to have done well overall. Think he was involved in hiring Beale though
Been down the club shop and around the ground earlier. So much work still ongoing, they’ll be flat out right up until Saturday by the looks of it. Loads of work taking place
Tommy Watson and Ballard we reckon. When it started last week I thought it maybe for the women's Rugby World Cup, but seeing it today Watson and Ballard definitely.
