Agenda item

Conversion of vacant dwelling to provide 4no. 2 bedroom residential apartments (C3), single storey extension to side, various external alterations, associated dual vehicle access points, off-street parking and landscaping.

The Senior Planning Officer, Leigh Dalby, gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The application was for the conversion of vacant dwelling to provide 4no. 2 bedroom residential apartments (C3), single storey extension to side, various external alterations, associated dual vehicle access points, off-street parking and landscaping and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions. 

The Senior Planning Officer noted that following updates, the City of Durham Parish Council no longer objected to the application, however, further objections had been received referring to matters including the highway configuration, no areas for delivery/refuse vehicles, and no electric vehicle charging points.  The Senior Planning Officer noted, if Members were minded to approved the application, that Officers would ask that an additional condition be made relating to renewable energy and carbon reduction.

The Chair thanked the Senior Planning Officer and noted there were no registered speakers.  He asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor J Elmer noted he was pleased to see the change in terms of access arrangements and asked as regards cycle storage and renewable technologies, such air-source heat pumps and improved insultation.  The Senior Planning Officer noted that cycle parking was covered under Condition 12 relating to the management strategy scheme for the development and that renewable energy technologies would be covered within the additional proposed condition.

Councillor J Elmer moved that the application be approved, he was seconded by Councillor J Quinn.

Upon a vote being taken it was:

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions set out within the report and an additional condition relating to renewable energy and carbon reduction.