Apartments plan for fire-hit social club

A former city social club could be transformed into apartments under new proposals lodged with planning chiefs.

Sunderland City Council has received an application to convert the derelict Ivy Leaf Club off Suffolk Street in the Hendon ward.

The application states 20 apartments would be provided over three floors – including three in an old steward’s flat in the top floor.

Work is also planned elsewhere in the building to create space for potential commercial uses.

The planning document states the scheme would deliver a “contemporary conversion of an old derelict building into high-quality apartments that enhance the surrounding area.”

It goes on to say: “The site is suitable for redevelopment to take place. The existing site is of very poor significance.

“The design of this development is an example of sensible innovation and initiative on a previous commercial building which is now derelict.”

In 2019, the building was targeted by arsonists less than 24 hours before it was due to be auctioned.

Developers say apartments would be well connected to local facilities and public transport, with parking available in the wider locality.

A traffic survey commissioned by the applicant added there would be a decrease in ‘parking stress’ in the area compared to when the Ivy Leaf Club was operating.

Planning bosses are expected to rule on the application by mid-November following public consultation.