Plans for a major upgrade of two Sunderland tower blocks have been approved in a move aimed at making residents’ homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

Housing association Gentoo Group has secured planning permission to replace windows and carry out other improvements at the Church Street North and Dock Street tower blocks in Roker.

A planning application submitted to Sunderland City Council earlier this year confirmed the project aims to replace the windows to “resolve thermal performance issues”.

The existing double-glazed windows were refurbished in 1996 and were not scheduled for “lifecycle repairs” until 2036.

Gentoo's Church Street North and Dock Street tower blocks in Roker are set to undergo major improvements.

placeholder image — Gentoo's Church Street North and Dock Street tower blocks in Roker are set to undergo major improvements.

However, Gentoo said there had been increasing complaints and repair issues with the windows, suggesting they had deteriorated faster than expected.

Housing bosses said the proposed improvements were part of the association’s “ongoing commitment to providing warm, safe and decent homes for our customers”.

The works include replacing windows and prefabricated panels, roof improvements, external decoration and render repairs, with the scheme aiming to “help improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of the buildings”.

Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved the application on October 12.

Officers said the proposals would not “adversely affect the character and appearance” of the area or cause “unacceptable impacts” in relation to overshadowing, loss of daylight and privacy.

Gentoo chiefs previously said residents had been informed of the proposals and noted the improvements would “help make homes warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to heat, while also extending the lifespan of the buildings”.

It was noted that, subject to planning approval, the outcome of the tender process and approval from the Building Safety Regulator, Gentoo would “continue to assess the viability of the project and determine next steps”.

Sam Granger, Gentoo’s assistant director of asset strategy and data, said work on high-rise buildings must meet strict safety requirements, including design checks, safety reviews and formal approvals at several stages.

She added: “We know that customers want homes that are comfortable, energy efficient and fit for the future.

“This project supports our ambition to improve the energy performance of our homes while ensuring our high-rise buildings remain safe and desirable places to live.”

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