By james art The property, formerly Lucan Lodge, situated in Sycamore Terrace, Haswell, Durham, has been converted into two four-bedroom houses.
The application, submitted by Tina Robinson and represented by Cummings Architects Ltd, was granted retrospective permission on October 25, despite concerns from local residents and intervention by the area’s MP.
Lucan Lodge, which operated as a nursing home, closed in 2016 and has since been used as housing.
Work on the conversion began on 1 July 2019 and was completed ahead of the 2023 application.
The site, which covers 1,593 square metres, retains its existing five parking spaces with no proposed changes to vehicular or pedestrian access.
Approval comes with a set of conditions, including commencement within three years of the date of approval and compliance with approved plans and relevant policies.
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Approved dwellings are prohibited from being used as short-term holiday accommodation (less than 90 days) to protect the residential character and amenity of neighboring properties.
However, the transformation was not without controversy.
Mr Ernie Dent, a neighboring resident, raised concerns about potential noise and disturbance.
Mr Dent, 81, highlighted significant noise and traffic problems during the COVID-19 pandemic when the neighboring property was used as a holiday rental.
He fears a repeat of similar problems, which he says have affected his “quiet enjoyment” of his home, causing him and his family considerable stress.
He also expressed concern about potential increases in traffic due to the rezoning.
Mr Dent’s objections were supported by Easington MP Grahame Morris, who formally raised the matter with Durham County Council.
The council acknowledged Mr Dent’s objections and imposed conditions to prevent the approved homes being used as short-term holiday lets.
Durham County Council’s decision to grant retrospective planning permission marks formal recognition of the change in use of the property, despite its conversion having been completed more than four years ago.