Student accommodation conversion at Mowbray Villas, Mowbray Road, Sunderland

Summary of planning committee decision

Deferred by Sunderland Planning and Highways Committee on 30 Mar 2026.

25/02823/FULDeferred

What was proposed

The application sought to convert former offices into thirty studio rooms for student accommodation, with external window and door works.

“PROPOSAL: Planning Permission is sought for the conversion of former offices to thirty studio rooms for student accommodation with associated external works including window and door alterations/ refurbishments.”

“The following information has been submitted in support of the application;”

Officer report

Earlier consideration

The application was previously deferred so further information could be submitted about viability, deliverability and the need for student accommodation outside the Urban Core.

“South Sunderland Reference No.: 25/02823/FUL Full Application Proposal: Conversion of former offices to thirty studio rooms for student accommodation with associated external works including window and door alterations/ refurbishments.”

“At the March meeting, Members of the committee resolved to defer the application to allow the Developer the opportunity to submit further information. Further to the deferral of the application, the developer has submitted the following; -Report/Statement undertaken by Bradley Hall to provide commentary regarding the viability and deliverability of the proposed redevelopment for student accommodation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, referred to support from local buildings and the university, and requested a deferral for further planning discussions.

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to defer the application following the agent’s request, without asking questions or making comments.

“There being no questions or comments from Members, Councillor Scott, proposed that the item be deferred as per the Agents request. The alternative recommendation was seconded by Councillor Haswell and the Committee agreed that:-”

Minutes

The members' reasons

“The alternative recommendation was seconded by Councillor Haswell and the Committee agreed that:- 14.”

Minutes

Source: the council's minutes, quoted word for word.

Sources

  • Sunderland Planning and Highways Committee minutes, 30 March 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Sunderland's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Sunderland
Date
Monday 30 March 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended refusal
Committee decided
Deferred
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

This committee's year

14 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →