Rescue plan approved for Sunderland's historic Simpson Street School after fire
Proposals to transform a historic former school building into luxury apartments have been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.
Earlier this year, plans were revealed to bring the Grade II-listed Simpson Street School back to life after it was severely damaged by fire.
Although it was feared the site was beyond repair, Sunderland City Council confirmed a deal to rescue the property – which has stood empty since 2016.
Durham-based architectural and civil engineering business, BDN Ltd, submitted a planning application in March outlining their vision for the Deptford site.
The company – which was in advanced talks with the council before the blaze – aimed to convert the building into its own headquarters, as well as developing eight loft-style apartments.
Following consultation, plans for offices and apartments were given the go-ahead by the council’s planning authority on Friday, August 14.
A decision report reads: “The proposal will importantly secure the conservation, enhancement and future care of an important and prominent listed building in a dilapidated condition and at serious risk, in a sensitive manner that will sustain and enhance the significance of the building into the future.
“The principle of repairing the listed building and converting it into office and residential use is strongly supported as it will secure the long term conservation of the building and provide it with a sustainable future in beneficial uses.
“The proposals will secure the long-term conservation of a significant listed building at serious risk and provide it with a sustainable future through sensitive adaptation and conversion works that overall will have a positive impact on its significance.”
The planning permission is subject to a section 106 agreement which will establish how much the applicant has to pay to the council to reduce the impact of the development on areas such as protected nature sites.
According to planning documents, access to the apartments would be taken via Simpson Street with access to the offices via Wellington Lane.
Spaces are also expected to be marked out and allocated to each of the apartments as ‘resident parking only.’