Shop shutter and condensers at 11A Brinkburn Road, Darlington

What was proposed

The application sought to retain a replacement shop-front roller shutter and three rear first-floor condensing units.

“In November 2024 planning permission (ref no 24/00863/FUL) was granted to enlarge the internal floor area of the existing shop and for external alterations including a single storey rear extension, a new shop front and entrance, the removal of bricked up bay windows, a new front access door for first floor flat on Chandos Street, the removal of chimneys, the rendering of the building and the relocation of three existing refrigeration units onto rear elevation at first…”

“A retrospective planning application (reference number 25/00576/FUL) for the installation of a roller shutter on the Chandos Street elevation of the premises, the installation of a replacement roller shutter on the Brinkburn Road frontage together with the installation of the three condensing units to rear elevation at first floor level was refused for the following reason:”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the shutter’s design, colour, projection and materials harmed the building and surrounding street scene.

“Whilst a security shutter has been in place before, that fact is not outweighed by the visual harm that is caused by this replacement security measure. The roller shutter, when closed, would have a negative and adverse impact on the visual appearance of this elevation of the application property and the wider street scene along Brinkburn Road by virtue of its design, colour and width across the frontage.”

“As mentioned in this report, the new shopfront has very limited areas of glazing, unlike the previous shopfront, which had fully glazed display areas either side of the customer entrance door.”

Officer report

What people said

Six letters and a councillor supported the proposal, citing security, crime prevention, public safety and the shop’s community value.

“Thirteen Neighbour notification letters were issued. Six letters of support have been received from four different properties. The comments can be summarised as follows:”

“This is a replacement shutter • The shutter is required to keep the premises and neighbourhood safe and secure • The shutter has no impact on anyone • The owner has a right to protect his shop and employees • It is important to protect local shops • The shutter will defer crime; protect public safety and safeguard a valuable local community asset • The shutter will reinforce security and strength of shop entrances and frontages • There have been numerous cases of burglary,…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the applicant and a supporter.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission contrary to the recommendation.

“RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted contrary to recommendation, subject to the approved plans condition:”

Minutes

The approved condition

The permission requires the development to follow the listed approved plans.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans, as detailed below:”

“REASON – To ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the planning permission.”

Minutes