'Unsightly' Seaham shops set to become apartments under new development plans

Applicant Clearwater Developments lodged a bid towards the end of 2019 to revamp commercial space at Castlereagh Road in the town.

If the plans are approved, numbers 2-6 will be transformed into five apartments.

Plans include parking facilities and some demolition works at the rear to bring the development forward.

A heritage statement, prepared by Sunderland-based firm Fitz Architects, adds the plans will help regenerate the area.

It reads: “The design brief is to create a modern residential development in this urban area.

“The design proposes to create five residential properties which will improve the area and compliment the surrounding environment.

“The proposed properties have been designed to provide comfort and to meet the needs of the clientele who will occupy the development.”

The report adds: “The proposed development at Castlereagh Road will improve the aesthetic of the building because currently the appearance is very run down and unsightly.”

The site is located with the Seaham Conservation Area and was formerly the Castlereagh Road co-operative building.

Developers have confirmed the plans aim to safeguard the building’s future while remaining “sympathetic” to its former use.

Public comments are open on the plans until Thursday, January 30.

A decision on the application from Durham County Council is also expected by March.

For more information, visit the council’s planning portal and search reference: DM/19/03781/FPA

www.durham.gov.uk/article/8276/Find-a-planning-application