The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) were scheduled to discuss two planning applications relating to changes of use for properties in Durham. Both applications concerned the conversion of dwellinghouses into houses in multiple occupation¹ (HMOs).

4 Laurel Avenue, Sherburn Road Estate, Durham, DH1 2EY

An application for a change of use from a dwellinghouse to a four-bedroom HMO at 4 Laurel Avenue on the Sherburn Road Estate was scheduled to be discussed. The application also included a single-storey rear extension, a driveway extension, cycle parking and bin storage.

The planning officer's report noted that the site is within an area subject to an Article 4 Direction² removing permitted development rights allowing the change of use of C3 (dwellinghouses) to C4 (small HMOs) without requiring an application for planning permission.

The report noted that Belmont Parish Council objected to the application because of the number of HMOs in residential areas, the transient nature of the occupants, a lack of council tax contributions, increased waste, and inadequate parking.

The planning officer's report stated that 8.3% of properties within 100 metres of the site are Class N exempt student properties, which is below the 10% threshold outlined in the County Durham Plan (CDP). The report also stated that the development was in accordance with policies 6, 16, 21, 29, 31 and 41 of the CDP, the Parking and Accessibility and Residential Amenity SPDs, parts 2, 4, 9, 12, 14 and 15 of the National Planning Policy Framework and Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The planning officer recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.

53 Frank Street, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, DH1 2JF

Councillors were scheduled to discuss an application for a change of use from a dwellinghouse to a four-bedroom HMO at 53 Frank Street in Gilesgate Moor. The application included a single-storey extension, cycle parking and bin storage to the rear, and the formation of a car parking area to the front.

The planning officer's report noted that Belmont Parish Council objected to the proposed change of use, arguing that it threatened the established community and balance of Frank Street, which is populated by young families and long-standing residents, and that there is no need for additional student accommodation.

The planning officer's report stated that 5.9% of properties within 100 metres of the application site are exempt from council tax, which is below the 10% threshold. The report also referenced a recent appeal decision relating to a similar development at 58 Frank Street, where the Planning Inspectorate concluded that the provision of two parking spaces would be acceptable, despite not fully according with the SPD³.

The planning officer recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.