A Sunderland Premier Inn is looking to expand by converting a recently-closed pub and restaurant into more than a dozen new hotel rooms.

The application to the city council’s planning department is for the ex-Wessington Brewers Fayre, off Wessington Way, in Castletown, which shut in September as part of the chain’s nationwide closures.

Whitbread, which owns the hotel chain Premier Inn, announced it would close all of its standalone Beefeater, Brewers Fayre and Table Table restaurants as part of its new five-year plan.

The premises are now earmarked for a major transformation to increase the number of rooms at the adjacent Premier Inn.

The former Wessington Brewers Fayre, in Castletown, Sunderland. Photo by LDRS.

placeholder image — The former Wessington Brewers Fayre, in Castletown, Sunderland. Photo by LDRS.

If approved, the plans would create an extra 19 hotel bedrooms, an increase from 89 to 108, along with a reconfigured restaurant for guests retained on the ground floor.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of Premier Inn Hotels claims there is “considerable demand for the provision of additional hotel accommodation in this location” along with a “continued shortfall in demand” for the restaurant.

It was argued that plans to reconfigure the hotel’s bedroom and restaurant offer would “ensure the site’s success and future viability”.

The planning statement goes on: “On the ground floor the restaurant area would be reconfigured and reduced in size and the bar/lounge area and play area converted to allow for 15 new hotel bedrooms and ancillary features such as linen stores and staff changing/shower facilities.

“The restaurant will be reconfigured to allow for a minimum of 70 covers.

“The first floor is currently occupied by two small bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom and small store, currently utilised by staff.

“This will be reconfigured to provide four bedrooms and provide storage and plant space.”

In addition, the plans would include the blocking up of existing window openings and new windows and doors, and there are no alterations planned to the existing car park.

A decision on the plan is expected following a consultation.

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