170 Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 1QH

change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a large house in multiple occupation (sui generis)

Authority: Durham County Council
Appeal type: Planning
Procedure: Written
Development: residential
Postcode: DH1 1QH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposal on the mix and balance of housing in the area
the living conditions of the occupiers of the surrounding residential properties with particular regard to noise and disturbance

What decided it

The proposal would have an unacceptable effect on the mix and balance of housing in the community by contributing to the erosion of community balance in an area where HMOs already comprised 42.5% of residential properties, contrary to Policy 16 Part 3 of the County Durham Plan.

Framework references: 96, 135

Plan policies cited: Policy 16 Part 3, Policy 31

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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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