45 student studios at 7 Atherton Street, Durham

What was proposed

The scheme would create 45 self-contained student studios, commercial space, communal facilities, outdoor amenity space and external building alterations.

“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use of the existing office building to Purpose Built Student Accommodation (Sui Generis) with independent Commercial Space (Class E) and associated external alterations including a new foyer entrance on its western elevation and outdoor amenity space to the south (incorporating a bin store and cycle facilities). The scheme proposes 45 self- contained studios.”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of the building to create a mixed use development comprising 45 self-contained studios (purpose built student accommodation) across 3 floors equipped with kitchens and en-suite bathrooms. Communal areas are also provided, including desks and booths for co- working or studying, a shared kitchen, living area, gym and a landscaped outdoor amenity space area. Laundry facilities are also provided.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant three-storey office building occupies a 0.1-hectare city-centre site beside roads, terraced homes, student accommodation and a railway viaduct.

“The site is bounded to the south by New Street beyond which lies 2 storey terraced properties. To the east is a service road providing access to the rear of commercial properties fronting North Road. To the north east the site is bound, and adjoined, by Metcalfe House (student accommodation) with the A690/North Road roundabout beyond. The A690 and Railway viaduct bound the site to the north west.”

“The site itself comprises a vacant office building, known as Hopper House, which is three storeys in height. It features brick elevations, a multi pitched slate roof and a mix of timber and uPVC windows. Existing parking spaces are located to the south of the site – albeit this area is now partially boarded up. There is a ground floor under croft to the west of the property which forms part of an adopted highway (Atherton Street).”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified for the site.

“The application is being reported to the Central and East Area Planning Committee in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation as it constitutes major development where the floorspace is 1,000sqm (or more). Planning History…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The senior planning officer presented the application, and the applicant’s agent spoke in support with representatives available to answer questions.

The vote

Members moved and seconded approval subject to amended conditions and deletion of one condition, and the application was approved.

“Councillor A Schulman moved that application be approved as per the report, subject to amended Conditions 13 and 14, and deletion of Condition 7, he was seconded by Councillor S Franklin and upon a vote being taken it was:”

“That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and s106 Legal Agreement as set out within the report, with the amendments to Conditions 13 and 14 as noted and deletion of Condition 7.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with the stated conditions and legal agreement, including contributions for open space and active-travel improvements.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to secure the following:”

“£27,000 contribution towards delivery of walking, wheeling and cycling accessibility improvements, including crossing/severance reduction and network connectivity measures, at/around North Road Roundabout in accordance with the County Durham LCWIP, to mitigate the impact of the development.”

Officer report