00:01The future of Sunderland's closed National Glass Centre is backed before councillors with plans for security fencing around the Riverside
00:06site due to be considered by the Council's Planning and Highways Committee.
00:10The University of Sunderland wants permission to install temporary hoardings around the building for three years.
00:15The proposed barriers would stand 2.44 metres high. The university says they're intended for security and safety rather than
00:22as part of any building works.
00:23The centre closed to the public at the end of July after the university declared it financially unviable.
00:29Sunderland City Council's cabinets agreed to pursue an Article 4 direction and once formally in place that would require the
00:34university to submit a planning application for any demolition.
00:37The proposed hoardings have also prompted concerns about access along the Riverside.
00:41The Save the National Glass Centre campaign group asked for conditions to ensure the building is actively managed, maintained and
00:48protected during the consent period.
00:50Roker councillor Andrew Ramsey referred the application to committee,
00:54arguing the barriers could affect an important route for pedestrians and cyclists over a potentially prolonged period.
00:59He also warned temporary works could become semi-permanent while the site's future remains uncertain.
01:05The university's planning agent says the scheme wouldn't require a diversion or the creation of a right-of-way.
01:10Council officers say the remaining width of the promenade is acceptable.
01:14They recommend approving the application, citing security issues since the centre closed and the flexibility a temporary arrangement would provide
01:20while decisions about the building remain unclear.
01:22The committee meeting is scheduled for Monday the 19th of October at City Hall and is open to the public.
01:27The committee meeting is scheduled for Monday the 19th of October at City Hall and is open to the public.
