Plans to convert a former city centre KFC site into a betting shop have been given the green light by council development chiefs.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has approved an application for a commercial unit at Market Square, which sits adjacent to Costa and near The Bridges shopping centre.

The unit previously operated as a KFC hot food takeaway but has been vacant for years.

Plans from Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Ltd submitted earlier this year (2025) sought permission to convert the unit into a betting shop operating under the Betfred brand, along with new signage and ‘minor refurbishment works.’

An application form submitted to council officials at the time said the development would include six full-time equivalent employees with opening hours of 8am-10pm, Monda

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