Original Investments has been given the green light to convert two empty shops into a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Sunderland.
The unoccupied units, in the Park Lane area of the North East city, were once a bedding store and children’s attire outlet. However, both have been unused for a number of years. Now Sunderland City Council planners have approved the scheme for 46 studio apartments.
“The scheme will contribute towards meeting [an] identified shortfall of student accommodation and will reduce reliance on the HMO (house in multiple occupation) sector”.
Statement, Original Investments Ltd
The plans initially submitted with the application showed a two-storey upward extension, which would have been substantially higher than the surrounding buildings and also led to concerns from the Conservation Officer.
These concerns were relayed to the Agent who subsequently submitted amended plans showing a single storey upward extension. The Local Planning Authority, upon receipt of these amended plans (late Oct 24), undertook a re-consultation exercise; including neighbouring properties, Ward Councillors and consultees.
“A need for the additional student accommodation would not lead to a material impact upon privacy for the occupiers of nearby buildings.
“There would also, more generally, be an improvement in the sense of bringing a vacant building back into use which currently presents a series of closed shutters facing the street to the front.”
Statement, Sunderland Council planning department
The site occupies a highly accessible site within Sunderland City Centre and is within a 10-minute walk of the University of Sunderland campus, and a two-minute walk from Sunderland College City Campus.
The Park Lane Interchange is also a two-minute walk away from the application site, which provides public transport opportunities to both the surrounding area, and nationwide, via either Sunderland or Newcastle train stations.
“The applicant has reduced the size of the proposed extension which is welcomed and mitigates the setting impact on the adjacent heritage assets, however the material palette still requires further consideration.
“The use of dark grey brick, dark grey cladding and dark grey concrete roof tiles would only emphasise the bulk of the building compared to its neighbours, which are predominantly exposed red brick or painted/rendered over in light tones.”
Statment, Conservation Officer, Sunderland Council
ELG Planning was the company behind the June 2024 planning statement.
