Plans to transform Sunderland's 'eyesore' former Ivy Leaf social club into apartments are approved

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee has backed plans for the derelict Ivy Leaf Social Club, in Suffolk Street, Hendon.

Councillors originally approved plans to revive the building as apartments back in 2021, and decision-makers at the time said the flats were welcome after years of trouble at the site ranging from deliberate fire-setting to fly-tipping.

A 20 apartment-scheme was originally proposed but later reduced to 13 apartments before being approved although the conversion never happened and planning permission has expired.

New plans proposed the conversion of the social club site to 21 apartments, including the construction of a second floor extension and new windows and render to external walls.

A design and access statement also noted the apartments scheme would “remove a derelict unused building which is becoming an eyesore to the community”.

A “community use statement” from developers added the social club site was “falling into disrepair” and that there had been opportunities for community groups to “take ownership of the site.”

During the planning process, the applicant reduced proposed apartments from 21 to 16 and a decision was due at a planning and highways committee in February, 2026.

However, councillors agreed to defer the decision following a proposal from councillor Martin Haswell to “secure some improvements” to the internal layout to address “access to natural light concerns.”

The applicant submitted amended plans which, according to council planners speaking this week, had “improved the quality of the development.”

Plans were approved by councillors on March 30 and development must be brought forward within three years under planning conditions.

Councillor Iain Scott thanked the applicant for submitting amended plans and welcomed the “brownfield parcel of land being brought back into use.”

Councillor Michael Dixon also asked whether there could be “some proactive contact with the applicant to see that things move on quicker, bearing in mind the appalling condition of the property.”

Council planners said they were “not aware of any structural reason why this development can’t proceed” and that there was “no technical justification” to “impose a lesser time period on the permission.”

For more information, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 25/00444/FUL