University of Sunderland's Darwin Annex building to be demolished

Plans were lodged with Sunderland City Council earlier in 2020 to remove the single-storey annex building near the main Darwin building.

The ‘Darwin annex’ is situated at the edge of the campus footprint near Waterworks Road and dates back to the mid 1980s.

At the time its was built, it was used for biotechnology subjects.

According to planning documents, the building has “exceeded its economical life” with demolition works planned later this year.

Following an application, the council’s planning authority concluded that ‘prior approval was not required’ meaning the demolition works can go ahead.

Contractors will also work to a demolition management plan covering safe working practices during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A council decision report reads: “It is noted that the site lies within a residential locality adjacent to public highway within a built-up area.

“Nonetheless, the buildings to be demolished are low-rise modular structures and are not of any local significance.

“Further, the site is not located within a sensitive area and a method statement has been provided with the application which provides a full overview as to the means of demolition and no concerns are therefore offered in respect of residential amenity.

“As such, it is not necessary to exercise control over the proposed method of demolition and prior approval would not be required.”

It goes on to say: “Regarding the site restoration, the proposed method of restoration would leave the site in a tidy condition and in a similar state to adjacent areas which have recently been cleared in preparation for future development.”

A spokesperson for the University of Sunderland added: “The University of Sunderland intends to demolish Darwin Annex, a pre-fabricated structure on city campus.

“The university has approached Sunderland City Council for advice on whether the demolition requires planning permission or if it would be allowed under the general permitted development order.

“Indications suggest the demolition would be a permitted development and therefore not require planning consent.”

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