Plans for restoration of historic chapel approved
LDRSPlans for repair works to bring a historic Grade II listed cemetery chapel back into use have been approved by councillors.
The South Chapel in Bishopwearmouth Cemetery in Sunderland was one of a pair built for the site which opened in May 1856 but has been derelict for years.
Initial repairs have already been carried out to make the building watertight and safe.
The next stage of the restoration project, given the go-ahead on Thursday by Sunderland City Council planners, will see further repairs to the roof, window glass, floor and masonry.
In 2024 the council applied for listed building consent for the repairs, with a report noting the building's "poor condition".
Issues included the "spirelet leaning and at risk of collapse", parts of the building "breaking apart", the chapel roof "slowly collapsing into the nave", and missing slates and water damage.
LDRSThe next stage of repairs will include insulation and strengthening of the existing roof, with the final set of works including a toilet block and a new interior.
A heritage statement described the wider project as seeing the "chapel being refurbished for use for crematorium services whilst the main crematorium has a major refurbishment".
A council committee report said the works had been recommended by the authority's conservation team and would "restore the character and appearance and sustain the heritage significance of the building," according to theLocal Democracy Reporting Service.
Council officers said the aim for the listed structure was to "bring it back to a good standard" and that the restored stained glass window would "face outwards so the public get the benefit".
A council spokesperson had previously confirmed the refurbishment was part of a wider scheme of improvements to "help ensure facilities remain respectful, functional and fit for the future".
