Gateshead Council's planning committee has approved plans to convert a former police station and school in Felling into a block of 14 flats. The building, constructed around 1910, on Sunderland Road, will be transformed into residential units after councillors gave the project the green light.
Details of the Development
The development will include eight one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats arranged across the basement, ground, first, and second floors. Plans also include 14 off-street car parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points. The local authority's planning officers recommended approval, citing that the project would bring a disused historical building back into use, add to the council's local authority council tax base, and provide housing in a sustainable location.
Affordable Housing and Space Standards
While the development falls short of a legal requirement to provide what is termed affordable housing, the applicant has informed the local authority that the flats are “intended” for affordable rent. Six of the flats do not meet current space standards regarding the amount of storage available. However, planning officials were satisfied that, given the constraints of converting a historic building, the proposals would still offer an acceptable standard of accommodation.
Council Report and No Objections
The council's report states: “The proposal would secure the long-term beneficial reuse of a building which has remained vacant for several years. Proposed external alterations are limited to those necessary to facilitate the proposed residential use whilst retaining the building’s overall form, appearance and architectural features.” No objections to the plans were logged from either Northumbria Police or Network Rail.
