New plans for flats months after rejection

Concerns were raised about noise from music venue Independent

New plans for flats near a city centre music venue have been lodged months after similar proposals were rejected.

Sunderland City Council received an application to turn the property above Dr Q’s Food Factory in Holmeside into two, one-bedroom flats.

Similar plans were turned down in April over concerns about noise from a nearby live music venue Independent.

The new scheme proposes upgrading the property's floors and walls to reduce noise levels.

The previous plans received 14 objections, with former Independent owner Ben Wall saying noise complaints would put the venue's "existence in peril".

According to the planning application, glazing would also be installed to ensure the required acoustic insulation levels were met.

A decision on the plans will be made by 14 November after a council consultation, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.