Three former shops housed in listed buildings within the historic Old Sunderland heritage area are to be given a new lease of life.
Plans to transform buildings on High Street East into three flats have been given the go-ahead by Sunderland City Council, with permission granted to overhaul the interior of the building to form bedrooms and bathroom facilities. No alterations will be made to the existing front or side elevations of the building, which carry the Grade II listed classifications.
A statement accompanying the plans, which were submitted to the council last January, state: "The properties are Grade II listed buildings situated within the Old Sunderland Heritage area. The surrounding buildings are a mix of commercial and residential properties. The host property is visible from the main vantage point of the High Street as the building is located on the main street."
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The statement adds: "The proposed alterations would retain the historic features and assets of the building as no alterations are proposed to the front or side elevations and all minor works are to be carried out internally. Internally there are minor alterations proposed to form bedrooms and bathroom facilities.
"In conclusion it is considered that the proposed works to the property would enhance and preserve the special qualities of the conservation area in particular in bringing this building which has struggled to support a commercial use back into the residential use."
The properties that are to be redeveloped internally, numbers 49, 50 and 51, are 18th and 19th century former houses. A council delegated report states: "No. 49-50 was built circa 1780 and was altered in the late 19th century to accommodate a shop frontage. No. 51 was built around 1840, converted into a public house in the 19th century and later became a shop.
"In recent years the property has remained vacant following extensive repair and restoration works. Both properties have accommodated a series of businesses in the ground floor units since the mid-late 19th century, the shop units are currently vacant, and confirmation was provided from the applicant that the properties had been marketed for commercial use for a period of nine months without success."
The council approved the plans on January 25.
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