Listed building refurbishment at 2 - 3 Central Buildings, Staindrop, Darlington

“The Proposal 4. The application seeks listed building consent for the erection and display of a single externally illuminated timber framed hand painted signs to each of the north and west elevations.”

“The proposals also include internal and external works, including the repair and refurbishment of the existing windows, internally and externally, with repair on a like for like basis of decayed timber to ground floor windows. At ground floor level windows on the north, south and west elevations are to have blackout privacy film added to the inside face of the glazing.”

“The application site comprises 2-3 Central buildings, Staindrop. Although currently vacant the premises were last in use as a restaurant/ café (Use Class E).”

“The premises are grade II listed and also lie within the Staindrop Conservation Area.”

“There have been a number of previous applications relating to the building and including proposals relating to extensions, alterations, works and signage. The following applications are considered relevant to the current proposals:”

“In 2024 applications for advertisement consent and listed building consent were submitted for externally illuminated fascia signage (north elevation) and wall mounted signage (west elevation) and advertisement screens behind existing windows (DM/24/02306/AD) along with internal and external works to the ground and first floors in association with use as a convenience store, externally illuminated fascia and wall mounted signage and advertisement screens behind existing…”

“The application seeks listed building consent for the installation of two hand painted timber signs. One would be installed above the door within the north elevation and one would replace the existing side to the west elevation. This is considered to be a proportionate amount of signage for the size of the premises, with the signs themselves and associated letter considered to be of an appropriate scale.”

“The Council's Design and Conservation Section have provided comments noting that the application seeks to retain, restore and enhance the majority of the existing fabric with minor upgrades to internal doors and some minor reconfiguration to facilitate the new use. The current deteriorating condition of the empty building is testament to the need to secure a new and appropriate sustainable use.”

“Unsuitability of use in a Conservation Area • Unsympathetic window alterations and shop front design • Inappropriate and intrusive signage • Dangerously located entrance and proximity of entrance to neighbouring residential property • Hazardous parking and traffic obstruction • Unsafe conditions due to lack of pedestrian crossing • Unmanageable delivery logistics • Noise nuisance to adjoining residential property • Incompatibility with residential nature of Central…”

“The Parish Council strongly urges refusal of both applications to protect the character of the Conservation Area, ensure residential amenity, and maintain highway safety.”

“Important building and important position within the village • Perhaps one of the best of Durham Medieval village greens (Reference to Ian Nairns County Durham) • Highlight the importance of buildings and townscape • Current state of the building and neglect of windows • Windows are a key feature • Repair and refurbishment of existing windows not possible, total replacement will be required • Analysis of windows and doors insufficiently detailed, condition needs…”

“Illuminated signage to attract passing trade, location on a blind corner, busy road, vehicles parking, hazard to other road users • Increase of traffic • Creation of a bottleneck and delays on access route for emergency vehicles • Lack of existing parking and current problems • No parking for first floor residents or staff • No parking, space to pull up or delivery space • Traffic management and health and safety risk • More housing being built, more traffic • Concerns…”

“That the application for listed building consent be approved subject to conditions listed in the report.”