Developers eye old Sunderland care home that's a magnet for vandalism for new 11-bed HMO
Plans to convert a former care facility into an 11-bedroom “co-living” scheme aimed at “young professionals” have been submitted to council development bosses.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for 12 Godfrey Road in the Grindon area.
Supporting documents submitted with the plan state the property was “formerly operated as a care facility by the local authority” but has been “vacant for several years and has subsequently fallen into a state of disuse”, as well as being “subject to repeated vandalism.”
New plans from Metters Properties Ltd are seeking permission to change the property into “co-living” accommodation in the form of an 11-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Details of the development are set out in a design and access statement submitted to council officials, which states the residential scheme would “enable a broader demographic, particularly young professionals, to remain within the Grindon area”.
It was noted that the plan would “bring a long-vacant building backinto active use, contributing to housing supply through the delivery of high-quality co-living accommodation” and would also “retain external space […] minimising the need for new-build construction.”
Proposed floor plans include an entrance lobby and living / kitchen / dining room on the ground floor, along with five ground floor bedrooms and a further six bedrooms on the first floor.
Planning documents note that the majority of bedrooms would benefit from en-suite facilities, with only one bedroom including an off-suite.
Those behind the scheme said the “site is located within a well-established residential area that contains a mix of residential and commercial uses, where new residential development is compatible with the surrounding context”.
Developers added that “economically, the co-living model represents the only viable option for the refurbishment of this property, given the disparity between construction costs and potential end valuations”.
It was also noted that the plan had been “carefully assessed in relation to the council’s policies on HMOs” and that the development would “not contribute to an overconcentration of HMOs in the area”.
The design and access statement adds: “When considered in the overall planning balance, the development presents no significant or demonstrable adverse impacts that would outweigh its clear social, economic, and environmental benefits.
“It represents a meaningful investment in the local built environment, enhancing the appearance of a prominent corner site, improving natural surveillance, and contributing positively to the vitality, safety, and long-term sustainability of the surrounding neighbourhood.
“Considering the above, the proposal is fully compliant with both local planning policy and the NPPF [National Planning Policy Framework].
“It is therefore respectfully submitted that planning permission should be granted without delay, enabling the regeneration of a currently underutilised building and the delivery of a high-quality, sustainable housing solution that meets the needs of the local community.”
A submitted management plan also notes Metters Properties are an accredited landlord with Sunderland City Council and that the property will be licensed with the local authority, ensuring it is “safe, well-maintained and providing a good living environment for tenants”.
It was noted that the target demographic for the property is “young professionals seeking high-quality, low maintenance living in a well-managed environment” and that there will be a policy in place around antisocial behaviour complaints.
In addition, the management plan notes the property would benefit from “cleaning and housekeeping support”, CCTV and cycle storage, with the site having “excellent local public transport links available nearby”.
The management plan adds: “For those future occupants who do own a car, there are five parking spaces (three cars, two motorbikes) in the secure rear garden of the property (one that has electrical vehicle charging facilities) alongside ample on street parking being available.”
A decision on the planning application is expected following a council public consultation exercise.
At the time of writing, 15 representations had been submitted over the development with 11 objections and four comments in support.
Concerns about the scheme include impacts on property values, antisocial behaviour, increased noise and disturbance, parking pressures, the impact of the HMO development on an area with family homes and more.
Meanwhile, comments in support have generally welcomed the residential scheme in the context of bringing the long-vacant and “eyesore” Godfrey Road property back into use.
For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 26/00514/FUL