Final deadline for stalled homes plan
BBCPlans for an extra care housing scheme could be refused if a legal agreement is not completed next month.
Sunderland City Council first approved the proposals for 84 apartments and 13 bungalows at Moorway, Washington, in October 2022.
Applicants Esh Construction and Gladglider Projects had hoped to start building in summer 2023, but work has not yet taken place because of the lack of a legal agreement.
Planning officers said progress had "not been particularly forthcoming" and developers have been given a final deadline of 25 April to complete the document, or risk the plans being refused.
The 2022 planning permission was subject to a legal agreement over the provision of affordable housing, as well as an outstanding requirement for detailed landscaping and road improvement plans.
Legal agreements are a standard process to secure financial contributions from developers, with cash earmarked to improve infrastructure and local facilities, as well as reducing the impact of new homes on local nature sites.
Councillors approved the application again on Monday, but on condition that the legal agreement was completed by 25 April.
Labour councillor Iain Scott, said he was "hugely in favour" of the development.
However, he said: "It's disappointing to see that there hasn't been a legal agreement drawn up with the applicant so far."
The developer plans to construct a T-shaped, three-storey building, operated by a registered social landlord, aimed at older people, alongside new bungalows.
If issues with the legal agreement are not "satisfactorily completed", planning documents said the application would be refused.