56 Old Dryburn Way, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SE

change of use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to a flexible use of either C3 or C4 (Small HMO), where flexible use is based on Class V of Part 3 of the General Permitted Development Order, the construction of a bin store and bike shelter

Authority: Durham County Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Gravett R

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposed development on the mix and balance of housing in the community
the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with particular regard to noise and disturbance

What decided it

The site's location on a primary access route between PBSA and the city centre, combined with the unmitigated harm to neighbouring living conditions from noise and disturbance associated with HMO occupation in a quiet residential area, rendered the proposal contrary to the development plan.

Plan policies cited: Policy 16, Policy 29, Policy 31

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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