University seeks to fence off glass centre
Jim Scott/BBCSecurity fencing could be put up around the recently shuttered National Glass Centre (NGC).
The University of Sunderland has submitted plans to put up the hoarding around the former attraction for three years, which it said would help prevent the risk of trespassing, vandalism, anti-social behaviour, arson and theft.
It said the 2.44m-high (8ft) hoardings would not impact the public highway.
Reform UK councillor Andrew Ramsey objected to the plans and said he worried the "temporary" fencing could become "semi-permanent in practice".
The university said it required planning permission from the council for the hoardings because they were for security reasons as well as the fact the fences would be more than 2m tall.
It said it owned both the NGC and the land it sat on.
A spokesperson said it was seeking planning permission for as long as three years due to planning consultant advice.
They also said the move by campaigners to have the building listed, which is still ongoing, had affected its decision.
'Future unresolved'
Ramsey said the application should not be decided in its current form.
He called for a fixed removal date for the hoardings and more clarity on whether the fencing would affect the public highway.
"This is not a minor or short-term arrangement," he said.
"Temporary works of this nature can become semi-permanent in practice, especially where the future of the building remains unresolved."
The university has said it plans to demolish the building but has not said what it plans to do with the land afterwards.
A spokesperson said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the NGC has now closed and will not reopen.
"The current debate is about the future of the building, and the university has, and will continue to, follow all legal requirements in relation to the proposed demolition."
