Part of a historic former power station on Wearside is set to become a garage and MOT test centre under new plans.
Earlier this year, proposals were lodged for a section of the former coal-fired power station off Philadelphia Lane, near Shiney Row.
Dating 1906, the building was linked to Durham Collieries Power Company and was listed in the 1980s.
According to Sunderland City Council planners, the main 'annexe building', also listed, has remained vacant for several years and has fallen into disrepair.
New plans from applicant Philadelphia Estates Ltd aim to bring the site back into use while conserving its historical features.
The development will see a host of repair works to masonry, metal, windows, doors and a new roof, the removal of metal stairs and new roller shutters.
Plans for garage and MOT testing centre were approved by Sunderland City Council on Wednesday, November 13.
To allow the works to go ahead, a link building on site will be demolished to provide access to vehicles from the rear.
A planning report states it is a "unattractive modern structure that detracts from the historic character of the site".
The report adds: "The proposed adaptation and conversion of the listed former power station annexe will return a vacant listed building into beneficial usage in a manner generally consistent with its conservation, sustaining its significance into the future."
Under planning conditions, the project must start within three years.
