By james art Plans to convert a County Durham house into flats have been approved by the council.
The three-bedroom property at 48 Ramsay Street, Tursdale, is to be converted into two one-bedroom flats by Hes Hutten Housing.
The reconstruction of the house will also include the allocation of three parking spaces.
Development is due to begin within the next three years, with construction hours limited to weekdays and Saturdays.
There will be no work on Sundays and public holidays.
A bat survey report is provided and measures to protect the local bat population must be followed, including the installation of a bat box prior to occupancy of the apartments.
The property, located in a small residential area near major job providers such as Amazon’s distribution center, is considered a viable location for potential workers, despite its somewhat isolated location from other services.
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The plans include minimal external changes, including the addition of French doors to the rear of the property.
Public objections raised concerns about increased car park congestion, road safety, the loss of a family home and the potential for the flats to be used for short-term letting.
However, these were not considered significant enough to refuse the application, with the proposed parking spaces and minor external changes noted as mitigating factors.
The project is exempt from certain biodiversity enhancement requirements due to its size and application date.
A bat sanctuary identified on site will not be affected by the works as no changes to the roof are planned.
The proposed parking spaces will be on permeable block paving across the street to improve access.
The proposals do not increase building occupancy, which maintains nutrient neutrality for the development.