More repairs sought for dilapidated listed chapel
LDRSNew plans for repair works to help bring a Grade-II listed chapel back into use have been submitted.
Sunderland City Council has lodged an application with its own planning department for the South Chapel in Bishopwearmouth Cemetery.
The Anglican chapel, built in 1856, has been dilapidated for years, with scaffolding previously erected to protect the tower and spirelet.
Work was carried out in 2025 to make the building more secure and the local authority is now looking to continue efforts to revive the chapel with the new application.
In 2024, the council applied for listed building consent to carry out repairs, with a design and access statement noting the building's "poor condition".
Issues included the "spirelet leaning and at risk of collapse", parts of the building "breaking apart" and water damage.
An initial scheme of repairs was approved by the council in January 2025, which included a "new roof superstructure", making the chapel safe, watertight and ready for further repairs.
LDRSThe new application for listed building consent submitted this month is seeking permission for further works including insulation and strengthening the existing roof.
A separate application will include work to reinstate the original stained glass, underfloor heating and masonry repairs when it is submitted at a later date, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A spokesperson for the local authority said the refurbishment of the South Chapel will allow services to continue while work is carried out at the main crematorium.
"All these improvements will help ensure facilities remain respectful, functional and fit for the future," they said.
A decision on the round one application is expected this year.
