Glass centre to be fenced off after break-in bids

Security fencing will be installed around the closed National Glass Centre (NGC) after attempts to break into the building.

The venue, in Sunderland, closed at the end of July after custodian Sunderland University said it needed significant remedial work at a cost of between £14m and £45m.

The university recently applied to install 2.44 metre -high (8ft) timber hoardings around the site for a three-year period to "restrict unlawful entry".

A planning agent, on behalf of the university, said there had been attempted break-ins at the site and the fencing would help protect it from vandalism and prevent potential injuries.

The proposals were given the go-ahead at a planning and highways committee meeting on Monday.

Roker councillor Andrew Ramsey had called in the application to the committee over concerns the temporary works could become "semi-permanent in practice, especially where the future of the building remains unresolved".

Council planning officers said there was "no concern that the hoardings could become permanent by default".

It was noted there had been "security issues" at the NGC since its closure and officers said temporary hoardings would give the university "some flexibility" while the future of the NGC "becomes clearer".

During consultation, the Save the National Glass Centre campaign group asked for planning conditions to ensure the NGC building is "actively managed, maintained and protected throughout the duration of the consent".

Campaigners said that their representation "should not be interpreted as an objection" and added the group recognised security measures "may be necessary".

But council planners said the suggested conditions were "not considered to be relevant or reasonable" as they related to the management and maintenance of the NGC building itself.

Sunderland City Council's Reform UK cabinet recently agreed to pursue an Article 4 direction which, when formally in place, will force the university to submit a planning application for any demolition of the site.

A letter submitted on behalf of the university said the security hoardings plan was for "security and safety purposes only".

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