A block of flats damaged by a huge gas explosion is set for demolition after the damage sustained was deemed irreparable by the council.  

The planning department at Sunderland City Council has approved plans to demolish properties on Sunderland's Whickham Street after a gas explosion in 2022 left multiple people in hospital. 

The building sustained an estimated £1.4 million of damage after a "spectacularly reckless" suicide attempt by a resident left four people in hospital. 

Sunderland City Council were told repairs to the flats would be impossible, and has approved a demolition application by housing operator Gentoo. 

Read more: Sunderland house explosion: Ian Lenaghan JAILED after house destroyed

The building has been vacant since the blast. 

In its demolition application, Gentoo said: "The remaining properties have been left vacant due to structural issues.

"Demolition is required due to the amount of damage caused to the properties following the explosion.

"Any scheme to remedy the defects to the properties and make good would not be feasible."

In early 2022, Ian Lenaghan, an ex-Royal Navy serviceman who served in the Falklands War 40 years ago, tampered with and deliberately severed the hose taking gas into his cooker.

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He was jailed for five years last August for causing a huge gas blast after vowing to "blow himself to bits" without realising the consequences to his neighbours. 

Newcastle Crown Court heard he then turned up the gas on his cooker and ignited it with his lighter.

In the ensuing explosion, he was seriously injured and his upstairs flat in Whickham Street, Roker, was destroyed as was that of a downstairs neighbour. Adjoining properties were also badly damaged, with the estimated loss to housing provider Gentoo put at more than £1m.

More than 40 Tyne and Wear Fire Service crew and 15 vehicles were among the huge deployment of emergency services to the scene in the aftermath of the blast, at about 3.45 pm on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. 

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One neighbour, who had lived at the property for 22 years, reported hearing a sudden “whoosh” and was also injured.

As he was uninsured he lost all his possessions, and one of his two pet cats was killed in the blast.

He was also admitted to hospital where he spent two days receiving oxygen, while another neighbour, who owned her flat, was left in only the clothes she was wearing.