55 Bradford Crescent, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 1HL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on highway safety, with particular regard to parking provision
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to outlook and daylight
• Whether the proposed development would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to fire safety

What decided it

The Highway Authority's lack of objection despite the shortfall in parking standards, combined with the availability of on-street parking and the absence of evidence that the development would result in unsafe highway conditions, was decisive in allowing the appeal.

The benefits of providing additional residential accommodation and flexible use, balanced against the shortfall in off-street parking provision and concerns about neighbouring amenity, tipped in favour of the proposal given the availability of on-street parking, the comparable scale of the extension to the existing structure, and the absence of material harm to neighbouring living conditions.