Green light for historic church’s community plans
Plans for new community facilities at a historic church in Washington have been given the green light.
Last year, a planning applicationwaslodgedwithSunderland City Council to redevelop part of Saint George’s Church off Vigo Lane, Fatfield.
This included a ‘wrapround’single-storeyextension to form a new entrance foyer and canopy, multi-purpose room and community cafe.
A design and access statement, prepared on behalf of theapplicant,saidthechanges aimedtorelievedemandonexistingcommunityandcatering facilities at the site.
The city council’s planning department approved the application.
A decision report states the extension would not harm the church’s “architectural detailing” and that the proposals “mixed the old and new well.”
The council’s conservation team added the extension would “improve accessibility, commercial opportunity, and quality of experience for users.”
Foundedin1879,StGeorge’s Church has been serving the community for more than 140 years.
The church is also consideredasa‘non-designatedheritage asset’ by the council.
Thedesignandaccessstatement submitted last year, and prepared by Howarth Litchfield Architects, outlined the benefits of the revamp.
This included providing an “approachable, welcoming and versatile entrance space and community hub to relieve some of the pressure on the internal space of the existing church.”
In future, the space could beusedbycommunitygroups, lunchclubsandfortrainingopportunities, alongside the development and expansion of services which already take place at the church.