Landmark office building set to become apartments after plans approved

Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council received an application to redevelop Parsons House, off Parsons Road.

The scheme from JGO Consultancy Ltd included converting the office block into 32 flats, with access taken from the ground floor reception area.

The existing site has parking for 72 cars and a mixture of open plan and cellular office space.

According to developers, no increase in traffic is expected in the vicinity of the building from the new flats.

Following consultation, Sunderland City Council’s planning authority backed the plans on Thursday, July 30.

In a decision notice, planners approved an application for ‘prior approval’ which means the scheme can progress.

A total of 31 two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment are planned across the first, second, third and fourth floors.

Around 56 parking spaces will also be allocated to residents with the remaining spaces assigned to controlled visitor and office parking.

A statement on behalf of the applicant describes the site as “highly sustainable and a suitable location for residential use.”

It goes on to say: “The site location is within excellent walking and cycling distance of local services, including hospitals, schools, employment and shops.

“The site is also extremely well connected to transport services via the existing road network and associated bus services.”

As part of the development, the council’s transportation team requested electric vehicle charging bays and cycle storage to help promote “sustainable travel options.”

Before the development can be brought into use, a plan around bin storage facilities must also be submitted and approved by council planners.

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