Derelict historic building to be knocked down for new housing
Proposals to demolish a former city school building to make way for new homes have been given the green light.
Back in September 2020, Sunderland City Council’s planning department validatedplansforanewdevelopment at Clifton Hall, off Douro Terrace, in the Hendon ward.
ThesitesitswithintheAshbrookeConservationAreaand was formerly used by Sunderland High School.
New proposals, from The Vardy Foundation, aimed to demolish the building and to erect nine three-storey town houses in its place.
Concerns were raised by residents about the demolition causing harm to the area’s heritage, with Historic Englandobjectingtotheproposals.
However, the public body withdrew its objection following the submission of amendedhousedesignswhich,itsaid, would make a “positive contribution to the significance of the Ashbrooke Conservation Area”.
A consultation statement from Historic England reads: “The harm caused to the significance of the conservation area through the design of the replacement buildings has been removed through these amendments.
“They lack the opulence
and architectural interest of the existing but represent a contemporary interpretation of terraced houses in an honest way and this makes some contributiontothediversityof architecture in the conservation area”.
The council’s conservation officer, in a consultation statement, said the loss of Clifton Hall would be “highly regrettable as it will be harmful to thesignificance,characterand appearanceofAshbrookeConservation Area and the setting and significance of the listed Bede Tower”.
However, the council officer added that the redevelopmentschemewasof“sufficient design quality to on balance make a positive contribution to the conservation area”.
Amended designs were submitted to the council’s planning department in October 2021.
Followingconsultationand after considering all representations, council planners approved the housing plans last week.
Conditions of the planning approval include no demolition/developmenttakingplace until a programme of archaeological building recording has been completed.
Clifton Hall was originally twopairsofsemi-detachedvillas which were joined together to form a training college in 1933.
The building changed hands in 2000, with the first floor redesigned and second floor separated into dormitoryroomsforusebySunderland High School.
A design and access statement, submitted on behalf of theapplicant,outlinesthebenefitsofthehousingschemeand reasons for demolition.
It reads: “Whilst the merit of Clifton Hall’s Victorian architecture is apparent, it should be noted that it is not unique.
“Ashbrooke houses many halls and terraces of this era, many of which show similar, and grander, Victorian detail and as such are historically more significant and contribute greater to the local character.
“The building has sat derelict for a number of years now and is deteriorating, its historic use and heavy asbestos contamination makes it unviable to convert.
“As such it is destined to worsen in condition until its eventual demolition.”