Plan to halt Glass Centre demolition inches closer

Plans to save the National Glass Centre (NGC) have inched forward with the local council backing a move which could eventually force the building's owner to seek planning permission to demolish it.

Sunderland City Council's Reform-led cabinet issued an Article 4 direction which it said "paves the way for further consideration" of the University of Sunderland's wish to knock down the centre.

The next stage will see notice served on the university and a period of 21 days for "third parties to make representations" ahead of a final decision in December on whether to implement planning requirements.

The university has been approached for comment.

The authority said interested parties, including the university, could give their views on the Article 4 direction in the coming weeks.

It would then review these comments and expected to make its final decision before the end of the year, however the protection would still only come into force following a 12-month notification period.

The council's cabinet said it had decided against issuing an immediate Article 4 direction to "protect taxpayers" from what it claimed could be exposure to "significant financial risk".

In a statement confirming the move, the authority said: "The decision taken by cabinet today will effectively remove the University of Sunderland's permitted development right to demolish the building in 12 months' time and means that, once it comes into effect, it requires a formal planning application to be submitted."

The council's leader Chris Eynon said: "The challenges the university faces in sustaining this building are well understood.

"The strength of feeling of those who wish to find a way of preserving the centre is equally clear."

The authority said it had decided to list the NGC as an Asset of Community Value following an application by the Save the Glass Centre campaign group.

This status makes it easier for local groups to bid for the building if it was ever put up for sale.

Eynon said the council had created a "window of opportunity" for all parties to consider their next steps.

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