An “unused” office building next to a Wearside dairy distribution depot could be converted into a home under new plans.

An application to Sunderland City Council’s planning department is seeking permission to convert part of the Hanover Dairies site, in Matamba Terrace, into residential use.

The plans, from applicant HD Homes, note the part of the building proposed for development is an “unused ancillary office” and has been “strictly limited to office use only and not used as industrial”.

It was noted that the remaining storage and distribution area of the building will “continue to operate as existing” and that “all office/admin work is carried out at head office at another site”.

Plans have been submitted to convert an unused office building in Matamba Terrace into a two-bedroom home. Picture by LDRS.

placeholder image — Plans have been submitted to convert an unused office building in Matamba Terrace into a two-bedroom home. Picture by LDRS.

Plans for the office building include a change of use to a two-bedroom home with a kitchen, living area and cycle storage.

An accompanying parking assessment states the development would “not be expected to result in an adverse impact on on-street parking availability or the operation of the local highway network”.

Meanwhile, a noise assessment submitted on behalf of applicants acknowledges that mitigation is needed as a dairy distribution depot operates within the same building envelope, to the east of the proposed home.

Measures to reduce noise disruption for people living in the two-bedroom house include infilling a doorway opening in the party wall at ground floor level and high-performance double glazing with “acoustic trickle ventilators”.

A decision on the plan is expected following a consultation.

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