Listed building conversion to 10 homes at L D Mountain Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

What was proposed

The application proposed external and internal alterations to create 10 upper-floor homes, comprising nine one-bedroom and one two-bedroom units.

“Proposal: External alterations to elevations to include dormer extensions, windows, vents and removal of bay to front elevation to be replaced with entrance to residential units, internal alterations to include installation of new partition walls and doors to create 10 no residential units…”

“The planning and listed building consent applications are for the upper floors of the LD Mountain Centre located at 30-34 Dean Street. The upper floors are currently used as retail space, ancillary storage and office space for the retail use on the ground and first floors. The proposed change of use will create 10 residential units, 9no one bedroom units and 1no two bedroom unit.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The building is a Grade II listed property in the Central Conservation Area, beside Dean Street car park and near other listed buildings.

“The LD Mountain Centre is located on the eastern side of Dean Street adjacent to the entrance to Dean Street Car Park. The two are separated by a set of stairs that gives access to office buildings to the rear and Swan House Roundabout.”

“The building is part of a Grade II listing (30-48 Even – Dean Street (East Side)) and is situated within the Central Conservation Area. The building is located in an historic street with listed buildings Churchill House and 50-52 Dean Street, and Cathedral Buildings to the west on the opposite side of the Street…”

Officer report

Earlier permission

The proposal resubmitted an earlier scheme that had expired, while related applications for the conversion and listed building works were previously granted conditionally.

“The proposed development is the resubmission of a previous application (with some minor amendments) which has expired as works did not begin within the 3 years after the permission was granted.”

“The following applications are relevant to the assessment of this application: • 2019/1560/01/LBC – Listed Building Application: External alterations to elevations to include dormer windows and vents, internal alterations to include installation of new partition walls and doors to create 10 no residential units (amended description) as amended by plans received 04.02.2022 – Grant conditionally • 2019/1559/01/DET – Conversion of first and second floors from offices (Class…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the housing, design, heritage, transport, amenity and environmental effects acceptable subject to conditions and recommended listed building consent.

“Taking into account all of the above assessment and representations received, it is considered that the development would comply with national planning policy set out in the NPPF and the provisions of the statutory development plan and is approved with the conditions detailed above. The Planning Committee is recommended to grant planning permission for planning application reference 2026/0105/01DET subject to the following conditions:”

“The planning committee is recommended to grant listed building consent for application reference 2026/0106/01/LBC subject to the following conditions: 1. 3 year consent; List of approved plans; Internal partitions shall be scribed around existing features; Details of mechanical and electrical services and plumbing routes and method statement; Repairs schedule and methodology;”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No public or ward member representations were received, while transport and safety officers had no objections subject to conditions and the conservation panel supported the scheme.

“Public Safety and Regulation has no objections to the proposed development subject to condition.”

“Newcastle Conservation and Advisory Panel consider the scheme to be more carefully prepared than the previous with greater respect for historic fabric and consideration of impact on the heritage asset.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A development management officer introduced the report and explained the proposal using visual aids.

Committee discussion

Officers clarified fire safety, historic timbers, appropriate replacement windows and the loss of poorly maintained rear greenery for cycle storage.

“In response to questions from Committee officers offered clarification on the following points:”

“A fire report was not required for a building of this size. The application would need Building Regulations approval and fire safety requirements would be assessed through that process. There would be front and rear access to the property to provide a secondary escape route, and other fire safety measures required would include protected stairwells, fire-resistant separation between flats, and fire-rated doors.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Committee members voted unanimously on the recommendations set out in the report.

“Discussion and further questions During discussion by Committee other matters raised included the following:”

“Decision Committee members voted on the recommendations, as set out in the report. It was unanimously:”

Minutes