Developers plan new flats above ‘unique’ building

Plans to convert part of a “unique” heritage building into residential flats have been submitted to city development bosses.

- by Chris Binding

Sunderland City Council's planning department has received an application for Wheeler House in Newbottle Street in the Houghton ward.

The large building sits adjacent to The Britannia pub and has been used as shop units on the ground floor with a gym above, planning documents state.

The building is also recognised in council conservation area documents as a “dramatic Victorian redbrick building contrasting vividly with the older sandstone properties of the area” and a “unique” property in the local conservation area.

New plans are seeking planning permission to change the use of the upper floors to residential flats, with a total of 10 flats proposed.