Plans for a “co-living” flats scheme on Wearside aimed at “young professionals” have received final approval from council development chiefs.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department give the green light to plans to convert 38 Toward Road, in Hendon, into a seven-bedroom “co-living property”.

Initial plans from Metters Properties for the same site were rejected by the council’s planning department last year following concerns about the standard of communal facilities proposed.

Revised proposals for the Hendon property were later submitted stating a “comprehensive redesign has been undertaken which fully addresses the reasons for refusal”.

Plans have been approved for flats at 38 Toward Road, in Hendon, Sunderland. LDRS

placeholder image — Plans have been approved for flats at 38 Toward Road, in Hendon, Sunderland. LDRS

A previous design and access statement from applicants said co-living shared accommodation is different from a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in terms of “scale, design intent, quality of facilities and the lifestyle they support”.

All bedrooms in the development included en-suite facilities along with shared space including a living area, kitchen area and games room.

A representative for the applicant, speaking at a City Hall meeting back in March, said the site had been vacant for years and was a “real blight on the area”, requiring a “six-figure investment to bring it back into use.”

Planning documents noted the development would be aimed at “young professionals” and it was argued this group are “increasingly drawn to co-living accommodation for its affordability, flexibility and emphasis on community”.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee approved the plans in line with the recommendation of council planning officers.

The planning approval was subject to the completion of a legal agreement securing a financial contribution from the developers towards council works to reduce recreational impacts on nature sites.