A former school which was built in 1878 and has stunning views of Penshaw Monument and the surrounding countryside could be turned into a coffee house.
The Old School House in Offerton Village, Sunderland, has stood on Coxgreen Road since the 1880s and operated as a primary school before it was finally turned into a residential dwelling by a French artist. But earlier this month, plans were submitted to Sunderland City Council that proposes to turn the building into a coffee house and kitchen.
The initial plans were refused by the council in April due to concerns the development, which is within the green belt, was "inappropriate" to the area and would "have a detrimental impact on the openness, character and appearance of the countryside". However, the plans were re-submitted last week.
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A design and access statement submitted alongside the plans, states: "It's uniqueness, with spectacular views of Penshaw Monument to the south and rolling Wearside Golf Course to the east, means there is nothing quite like the school house. It is a substantial stone built school and house with outbuildings, gardens and a paddock extending to around one acre."
It adds: "Offerton Cox Green School and the adjoining headmaster's house were built in 1878 to accommodate 150 children from the villages of Cox Green and Offerton. Subsequently de-commissioned in 1968 and from then on has been used as a private dwelling and artist workshop. Set within open countryside at the foot of Penshaw Monument Hill and being within 500m of the banks of the River Wear and the Riverside Golf Club, the tranquil setting offers stunning views over open countryside and there are pleasant riverside and country walks together with mountain bike trails directly on the doorstep."
The plans also state there would be parking for around 10 vehicles provided through an existing large double timber gate and would be a free draining stoned up area that "maintains the rural and appropriate setting within the green belt".
The application adds: " The proposal encourages to a high level access to the open countryside by encouraging walkers, cyclists and horse riders to visit whilst out on the many walks and trails in the area. The change of use and proposed use of the building will enhance the use of the open countryside and not harm the objectives of the green belt."
A decision on the plans is yet to be made by the council.
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