Mr Lowther2 Pier Cottages Marine Walk Sunderland SR6 OPL

27th August 2014 Dear Mr Lowther,Pier Point, Marine Walk, Roker

With reference to your letter dated 22nd August 2014 regarding the Pier Point development on Marine Walk, you have stated that "the matter in dispute relates to the lack of adequate vertical circulation provided between the ground and approved 240sq.m of first floor 81 use (office)".

For clarity we can confirm the following:

We can confirm that the development has full planning and building regulations approval (which includes Approved Document M).

The scheme comprises of 5 commercial I retail properties at ground floor and 5 residential apartments above at first floor level. The retail units have now been subdivided into only three units, 2 units for a fish and chip restaurant, 2 for a cafe bistro and one other remaining unit. All of the retail units have level access.

The main first floor area over the retail units is 5 residential apartments and not 81 office use. There are no regulatory requirements for a lift to be provided to the apartments which are accessed at first floor level from an ambulant disabled staircase that has been designed in accordance with Regulation M1.

There is a separate detached office building of 95sq.m above the 5 car parking spaces (for the 5 residential apartments) which is to be rented to Fitz Architects. Due to the limited size and occupancy, the ambulant disabled staircase is also considered appropriate to access the small office. The actual office I studio space has only 55 sq.m of floor area with ancillary facilities. Fitz Architects do not offer any direct sales or goods sold and operate on an appointment only basis and visitors can not visit the office without prior arrangements. Door access and internal facilities within the office area will be provided to accommodate ambulant disabled. We will prepare an office policy that meets the requirements of the Equality Act so that any disabled users will receive personal home visits rather than having to visit the office. This is standard practice with some of Fitz Architects existing clients now. The policy would also include provision for any prospective future employees who may be disabled to enable home working as the practice is geared to this with a dedicated IT system that is networked and working remotely from home is already common.

I hope this information satisfies your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further assistance.

Yours faithfully,

Craig Fitzakerly BBL NE Ltd