A plan for a multiple occupancy home in Durham city centre has been approved after a parish council dropped its objections to the scheme.

A four-bedroom home was proposed for a property at Saddlers Yard in Durham.

The home of multiple occupancy would be created in the loft space, with communal areas and a new dormer link, above the former Beauty Spot salon on Saddler Street.

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The City of Durham Parish Council had objected to the plan.

But Councillor Richard Ormerod, representing the parish council, told a Durham County Council planning committee meeting: "Further amendments have been made to the scheme.

"The parish council is content that many of the amendments to this scheme satisfy our original grounds for objection.

"The site is situated within the commercial heart of the city. As such, the introduction of residential dwellings to the upper floors is not considered to have any unacceptable impact."

The Northern Echo: Cllr Richard Ormerod. Picture: Northern Echo.Cllr Richard Ormerod. Picture: Northern Echo.

 

He said it had been confirmed the scheme was not part of a listed building and cycle parking, bin storage and ventilation were now being provided.

He expressed concern about disruption and possible closures during construction, but this will be dealt with under planning conditions.

Principal planning officer Paul Hopper said: "We're comfortable that condition will be sufficient to ensure there's no undue disruption during the construction phase."

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Cllr Jonathan Elmer: "It is a tiny alleyway that all the construction materials will have to go down."

Highway officers raised no objection, saying construction could not go ahead until a management plan was approved.

The City of Durham Trust also objected, citing lack of information, negative impact on the ground floor retail unit, no public benefit or need for more student accommodation, and access issues.

Senior planning policy officer John Russell said the plan was deemed acceptable and would slightly enhance the conservation area by bringing part of the building back into positive use.

The committee unanimously approved the plan.

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