Plan for new Sunderland city centre apartments tucked behind historic listed building in Frederick Street

The plans are linked to a building at the rear of the Grade II-listed 52 Frederick Street.

If approved, the building could be converted into three one-bedroom apartments alongside internal works.

No changes are planned to the footprint of the building and its external appearance.

Developers hope the plans will bring the building back into use.

It is the latest apartment development to be proposed for buildings in historic city centre streets.

Plans approved already include 15 apartments in the former HSBC bank building, and student accommodation in a listed former legal office building in John Street.

A heritage statement, submitted with this most recent planning application, adds the plans would not have any negative impacts.

It reads: “The listing for the nearby buildings [Frederick Street] relate mainly to the front façade including the steps and railings.

“The application site cannot be seen from the front of Frederick Street and would therefore not interfere with the special architectural and historic qualities of the listed buildings.

“There are no internal features within the host building which are of historic or architectural merit.

“No internal features are noted on the listing description. It is not considered that the proposed development would have a detrimental impact on the character or appearance of the building or the adjacent listed buildings.”

A decision on the application is expected by mid- December.

Comments can be made by writing to the council’s planning department or leaving a comment on its online portal.

For more information, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference: 20/01918/FUL

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