A PLANNING application for the conversion of a shop to a large house of multiple occupation is among this weeks round-up of public notices.

The shop, which is named “Season Express” and located on Yarm Road, could be converted into a house of multiple occupation for up to eight individuals a planning application sent to Darlington Borough Council has revealed.

According to the planning statement, the building has been vacant for 15 months and the retail function of the property stopped in October 2019.

The proposed development would see the ground floor converted into three double bedrooms all en-suite and two with private outdoor spaces.

The first flaw will compromise of a further three double bedrooms, two of which will have en-suites, and the second floor will contain two double bedrooms and a shared bathroom and landing.

Some external work could be carried out on the building in order to remove the existing shop front and replace it with a more residential look with new windows and the installation of French door.

There could also be the creation of a private outdoor space to bedrooms two and three fenced off from the rest of the garden space.

Also in planning applications this week:

  • Durham County Council received an application for the possible erection of a new agricultural worker’s dwelling at Aldin Grange Farm.

According to the Design and Access Statement the new dwelling could be essential to supporting the existing farm and rural business.

The proposed use of the dwelling would be for the occupation by an essential farm worker and will be accessed using an existing surfaced road.

The Design and Access Statement continues on to explain that currently the farm is owned by a man who is set to retire and there needs to be a detailed succession plan to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the farm.

The proposal does not present a brand new development in the countryside and instead could be built on the site of now semi-derelict buildings.

  • Also in Durham County Council planning applications, the possible erection of one two story house and one bungalow could go ahead on land to the East of North Pesspool Farm on Pesspool Lane in Haswell.

The dwellings could have associated garages, gardens and vehicle parking, as well as a new driveway.

According to the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, there are no records of protected species in the area.