Next steps for planned demolition of glass centre
BBCA council has been asked for more information over plans to demolish the National Glass Centre (NGC).
The Sunderland venue is planned to close in July over repair costs, placed at between £14m and £45m, which campaigners have disputed.
NGC custodian the University of Sunderland has requested what is known as a "screening opinion" to accompany a "prior approval" application for its proposed demolition. It helps applicants find out if a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed before making a planning application.
It comes after councillors backed a motion calling on the university to "immediately halt its planned closure and demolition" of the centre.
A letter submitted to planners at the Labour-run council states proposals are for "demolition only and does not include redevelopment, changes of land use, new built form, operational development, long-term activities or land transformation".
It said planning issues would "not result in significant environmental effects which would warrant classification of the proposal as an EIA development".
The letter added the building was not listed or within a conservation area.
A university spokesperson said the "timeline for potential demolition is yet to be fully determined" but that updates will be provided as plans progress.
He added: "The university is continuing to follow planning guidelines ahead of the closure and subsequent planned demolition of the National Glass Centre.
"While the timeline for potential demolition is yet to be fully determined, we will continue to provide updates as plans move forward. The NGC will close on 31 July."
A decision is expected in the coming weeks following a consultation.