Sport club aims to improve its disabled access
Plans to improve accessibility for disabled people at a Sunderland sports club have been submitted to city development chiefs.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for Ashbrooke Sports Club which proposes a range of “accessibility works” across the site.
This includes new ramped access into the facilities, new externaldeckingwithramped access and a proposed lift access.
In addition, the plans propose a two-storey building extension to create welfare facilities, with an aim of “reducing travel for building users with disabilities”.
Theproposedwelfareblock would infill the area between theexistingfunctionroomand stairwell,aswellashousingtoilet facilities.
As part of the plans, a viewing platform area would be extended as well as internal alterations across buildings on site, with the wider project aiming to “serve the needs of people with disabilities visiting the grounds”.
Plans have been submitted by Ashbrooke Sports Club along with a number of supporting documents and a design and access statement.
The design and access statement outlines the changing face of the centre. It reads: “The existing sports club has been extended and modernised throughout the years.
“Hencetheexistingmaterials are a combination of traditional and modern materials.
“The proposals take this into consideration and aim to tie into the existing building whilst improving the access and usability of the sport club moving forwards.”
As the proposed works fall within Ashbrooke Conservation Area, a heritage assessment has also been submitted to council officials.
The heritage assessment adds: “The proposed materials tie into the existing structure and do not introduce any new materials.
“The proposed works overlook the cricket grounds and will not be visible from any nearby listed buildings.
“There will be no negative impact to the conservation area for Ashbrooke.”
A decision on the planning application is expected by the endofMarch2023,onceaperiod of council consultation has concluded.
For more information on the planning application, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal and search: 22/02576/FUL