Homes plan for old bank
PLANS have been submitted to transform a portion of a former HSBC bank in South Shields into a house of multiple occupation (HMO).
The South Tyneside Council’s planning department received an application for the property at 21 Fowler Street, previously home to the HSBC Bank.
The banking giant announced the closure of its Fowler Street outlet last year amid a series of structural changes across various UK branches.
The new proposal suggests conversion of part of the former bank into accommodation comprising a sevenbedroom HMO and a self-contained studio flat.
The plans floated by Mossmead Estates also include provisions for “communal living accommodation” on part of the ground floor for residents.
The design and access statement indicated “most of the ground floor” would continue as retail space under the planned changes.
The proposed layout will use the rear part of the building’s ground floor to accommodate a “common kitchen area, living area, cinema room and bicycle storage for the HMO units”. The front section is set to remain as commercial premises. There are no alterations anticipated for the external structure of the building; the “main entrance and shop-front windows on this prominent corner location remaining unaltered”.
The one-bedroom studio flat would be based at first-floor level with a “combined bedroom, kitchen and living area alongside a private en suite”.
Meanwhile, the seven HMO units would be based across the remaining upper floors, each with their own private en suite with a toilet, basin and shower. In addition, the basement of the property would be used for services, bicycle storage and bin storage.
Developers said the scheme would see the “conversion of this former redundant bank to low-cost, high-quality residential accommodation” and would “increase the town centre population in a sustainable location”.
Although no on-site parking was proposed, applicants noted the site was in close proximity to bus and Metro services and would benefit from cycle parking.
A decision will be made once a period of council consultation has concluded.