Grade-II listed buildings to become apartments

HISTORIC buildings in the heart of South Shields are set to be transformed into apartments after proposals were approved by planning bosses.

South Tyneside Council’s planning department recently registered an application for 1, 3 and 3a Beach Road in the town.

The vacant Grade II-listed properties, close to the junction of Beach Road and Fowler Street, were previously used as business offices, with the coach house to the rear of number 3 having previously been used as a taxi booking office.

According to planning documents, new plans aimed to change the use of the properties to six individual residences.

This includes four apartments at 1 Beach Road, comprising two two-bedroom apartments, one three-bedroom apartment and a one-bedroom apartment.

The plans also propose a one-bedroom flat within the basement of 3a Beach Road and one three-bedroom maisonette at 3 Beach Road.

The buildings will be transformed internally and externally, with a derelict former coach house and adjoining outbuilding to be demolished while a car port, car parking spaces, bin store, bollards and new boundary walls will all be put in.

However, a design and access statement submitted with the plans said the project also aimed to preserve as much “historic fabric” as possible and “maintain the character of the existing layouts”. It added that the conversion would help futureproof the buildings, make the dwellings “more marketable” and “ensure the buildings are appealing to residents.”

South Tyneside Council planners gave the green light to the plans, and a separate bid for listed building consent, in April.

For more information on the planning application and planning decision, visit South Tyneside Council’s online planning portal and search reference: ST/1082/21/FUL