Plans to convert former South Shields church into four-bedroom house complete with solar power, rooftop deck and restored stained glass
Plans have been submitted to convert a former church building in South Shields into a four-bedroom home.
Back in January 2022, South Tyneside Council’s planning department registered an application for 8 Derby Terrace in the Beacon and Bents ward.
The former Unitarian Church building is currently classed as ‘mixed use’ with offices and workshops on the lower ground floor and a residential flat above.
The Victorian building was constructed in 1874 and closed in 1980 after around a century of being used as a place of worship.
New plans aim to convert the whole building into a residential use to “create a single dwelling house” over three floors.
The works would increase the number of bedrooms from two to four while creating two ensuite bathrooms and one new family bathroom by extending the first floor area with a “new floor assembly.”
Elsewhere, the proposals include the reinstatement and restoration of an original stained glass main church window to the north gable wall (which is currently brick infilled) and eight new windows to the roof side elevations.
In addition, the proposals include two new external doorways, a rooftop deck and walkway to the lower ground floor extension and the installation of a 26kW off-grid roof mounted solar electric power system.
A supporting statement submitted with the planning application confirms that the applicant intends to live in the redeveloped property.
The statement reads: “The solar installation coupled with extensive insulation upgrades to the pitched roof is expected to create a highly energy efficient building.
“Additionally reuse of an existing building structure and reclaimed building materials such as slates will minimise the overall carbon footprint of the development.
“The building is to be completed and decorated to a high standard and will include sufficient space for a hybrid living/working environment which is a valuable resource given the nature of the worldwide COVID pandemic as well as adding a high quality, desirable living accommodation to South Shields town centre.”
A decision on the planning application will be made following a period of council consultation.
For more information on the plans, visit South Tyneside Council’s online planning portal and search reference: ST/1176/21/FUL