Aesthetics clinic at 4 Glanton Court, Darlington

The site and its surroundings

The property is a detached dwelling in a residential cul-de-sac, reached by a shared drive, with a distribution centre to the east.

“The application property is a detached dwelling located on the High Grange Estate to the northwest of Darlington within a predominantly residential area. It is located within a cul-de-sac of other detached dwellings and is accessed via a shared drive which gives access to a further two properties, 2 and 3 Glanton Court. The property is surrounded by other dwellings to its north, south and west sides, and the Aldi Regional Distribution Centre is to the east of the property.”

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of a former double garage serving the property to an aesthetic clinic (Use Class E). The building adjoins, although is set back from the front of the property, with parking to the front. Planning permission was granted for the conversion of the former garage to habitable rooms in connection with the dwelling in 2013. The garage doors have been retained giving the appearance of a garage, although are not in use.”

Officer report

Earlier application history

The application was previously deferred so officers could obtain more information about disabled access and accessibility requirements.

“This application was due to be presented to the Members of the Planning Applications Committee on 29th July 2026 but following a motion and a vote, no decision was made and the application was deferred to allow Officers to obtain further information regarding disabled access and accessibility requirements.”

“The applicant has also submitted a document entitled “Statement for Change of Use Class E and Accessibility” with supporting photographs which show that wheelchair users would be able to gain access to the rear of the dwelling and the treatment room through an existing gate to the side (north) of the dwelling.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because conditions would control opening hours, future use, parking and accessibility while protecting neighbours and highway safety.

“Subject to planning conditions controlling the hours of operation, requiring the use to be personal to the applicant and limiting it to an aesthetic clinic only, the proposed use is considered to be acceptable and would not unduly harm the character of the wider area or the amenity of the neighbouring occupiers. As has been set out in the report…”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL the proposal would not give rise to any adverse impacts in terms of parking or highway safety. While it is not possible for the proposed use to comply with the requirements of Policy IN2(a) in this instance the applicant has demonstrated that it is not reasonable or practical to make the necessary alterations and this in itself would not be a reason for refusal. It is therefore recommended that:”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Four neighbours objected over traffic, parking, access, noise, privacy, commercial activity and the clinic’s suitability in a residential cul-de-sac.

“Four letters of objection have been received from the occupants of 2, 3, 5 and 6 Glanton Court. Their comments can be summarised as follows:”

“Highway safety, increase in traffic, narrow access, no pedestrian pavements and lack of parking provision within a residential cul-de-sac • Clinic is already operating in contravention of planning rules • Business would be more suited in one of the empty shop units in Darlington • Inaccessible proposal • Loss of residential amenity including noise disturbance and loss of privacy • Loss of planning control from an unrestricted Use Class E • Introduce commercial activity…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the applicant and an objector, alongside views from the Highways Engineer, Environmental Health Officer and disability organisation.

The committee’s debate

Members considered deferring the application for further consultation, but an amendment to grant permission with the proposed conditions was moved and seconded.

“The Committee entered into discussion, and a motion was moved to defer the item until further consultation had been undertaken with Darlington Association on Disability, which was seconded.”

“An amendment was moved to this motion to grant Planning Permission subject to the proposed conditions outlined in the report, which was seconded, and after a vote this was carried.”

Minutes

The vote

The amendment to grant permission was carried and then became the substantive motion, which was also carried.

“The amendment then became the substantive motion, which was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted with eight conditions controlling implementation, plans, personal use, opening hours, clinic use, parking and wheelchair access.

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

“The Aesthetics Clinic hereby approved shall not be open for business outside the hours of 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 2pm on a Saturday, and there shall be no opening on Sunday or Bank/Public Holidays.”

Minutes