Boundary fence and gate at 2 Raby Chase, Summerhouse, Darlington

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing an existing post-and-rail fence and gate with an approximately 1.8-metre close-boarded timber fence and gate about eight metres long.

“DESCRIPTION: Replace existing post and rail timber fence and gate with 1.8m high close boarded timber fence and gate on east boundary…”

“Planning permission is sought for the removal of the existing post and rail timber fence and gate, forming part of the eastern boundary of the application property, which is situated between the boundary of 4 Raby Chase and the garage block. This would be replaced with a new close boarded timber fence and gate at approximately 1.8m in height, for a length of approximately 8 metres. The hedge which sits behind the existing post and rail fence is to be retained.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was on the eastern boundary of a converted former farm building, within a complex of former farm buildings and new homes, a conservation area and listed buildings.

“APPLICATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION 1. This application site relates to a segment of the eastern boundary of 2 Raby Chase within Summerhouse, Darlington. The property, a converted former farm building, is situated within a complex of former farm buildings and new build properties to the east of Summerhouse village.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

Permission had previously been granted for a similar fence section beside the application site, but it had not been fully implemented.

“Planning permission, 25/00575/FUL, was granted in September 2025 for the replacement of the section of post and rail fencing immediately adjacent to the application site at 4 Raby Chase with a close boarded timber fence up to 1.8m in height. This permission has yet to be implemented in full.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the timber fence suitable for the rural setting and found no unacceptable effects on heritage, ecology, residential amenity or highway safety.

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL 10. The erection of a 1.8m high boundary fence is not uncommon for residential areas. Whilst it is noted that this area reads more as a converted farmstead than a typical suburban area, the boundary is considered to be read in association with a domestic dwelling in a now wider domestic setting. The use of timber however is considered to be consistent with the rural and agricultural character of the village.”

“With regards to the setting of the nearby listed buildings, and as already noted above, the boundary would read as a domestic feature. Consequently, the boundary would be viewed as a later addition and in the context of a residential setting. It would also be situated on a small part of the boundary of the substantially large plot for 2 Raby Chase.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The Highway Engineer and parish council raised no objections; four neighbours objected and one support comment addressed parking and land ownership.

“RESULTS OF TECHNICAL CONSULTATION 6. No objections have been raised by the Council’s Highway Engineer or from Summerhouse Parish Council.”

“In summary, the support comment wanted to make clear that the land adjacent the proposed fence works, is partly owned by 4 Raby Chase to provide a car parking space, with the remaining land to allow for a shared parking space. They state the land is not a turning circle area and they confirm that they have a close boarded fence in place.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the applicant and an objector, alongside views from the Highway Engineer, Ecologist and parish council.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission with conditions covering the time limit, approved plans, fence colour and wildlife access.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“The hereby approved timber fence and gate, shall either weather naturally or be stained / painted a brown colour, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes