Self-build three-bedroom dwelling at 15 Prior Dene, Darlington

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing a garage and side extension to build one self-build three-bedroom home with parking, a new boundary and amenity space.

“DESCRIPTION: Demolition of the existing detached garage and flat roof side extension to facilitate the erection of 1 no. self-build three bed dwelling with new boundary, associated parking provision and amenity space…”

“Planning permission is being sought to erect a detached, three bed dwelling within the garden of No 15 Prior Dene. Two parking spaces would be created within the curtilage of the site, to the front of the proposed dwelling, accessed from Prior Dene.”

Officer report

The site and changes

The site was a side garden beside parkland and allotments, with amended plans repositioning the home away from council-owned land; the garage and extension were demolished.

“APPLICATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION 1. No 15 Prior Dene is a semi-detached bungalow with a garden to the side, located at the northern end of Prior Dene. The property is next to a pedestrian access to Sugar Hill Park and allotments. There is a lane to the rear of the site which separates the properties on Prior Dene and West Auckland Road to the east.”

“Thi s document was cl as s ified as : OFFICIAL 3. Amended plans have been received to reposition the dwelling within the site so that there is no encroachment of the adjacent parkland owned by Darlington Borough Council and to amend the details of the external materials and boundary fencing.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Council technical officers, Natural England and Northern Gas Networks raised no objections.

“RESULTS OF TECHNICAL CONSULTATION 7. The Council’s Highways Engineer, Environmental Health Officer, Transport Planning Officer, Arboricultural Consultant and Ecology Officer have raised no objections.”

“Thi s document was cl as s ified as : OFFICIAL 8. Natural England have raised no objections.”

Officer report

What people said

Eleven objection letters raised concerns about parking, access, construction, design, wildlife, appearance and privacy, while two letters supported the scheme.

“RESULTS OF PUBLICITY AND NOTIFICATION 10. Following the Council’s notification and publicity exercises, eleven letters of objection from seven properties and two letters of support have been received. The objections can be summarised as follows:”

“There is no need for an additional dwelling in the street. • Parking in the street is already a significant concern and will be worse. • Prior Dene is very narrow and there are already issues for large delivery vehicles and emergency services accessing and turning in the street. • Construction traffic will cause problems • The design of the dwelling is not in keeping with its surroundings. • Concerns over proposed parking provision, including visitor parking.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard the applicant’s views when considering the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions covering construction, nutrient credits, access, parking, energy efficiency, ecology, boundaries and neighbouring amenity.

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

Minutes