Plans for HMO at the popular Durham City Center center accommodated with the advice – the northern echo

Ward Group Investments LTD has applied for the first floor conversion and the attic roof space of a free building of 22 Silver Street, used earlier as a cafe and a restaurant, in HMO with five bedrooms.

The proposed development will not change access to pedestrians or vehicles, nor will it provide additional parking spaces.

The building is part of the Durham Conservation Zone and is adjacent to the Framwellgate I, with a view of Durham Castle and the Cathedral World Heritage Castle.

The application includes noise measures to prevent commercial and housing conflicts.

The site has a limited scope for storing a protective cycle, but its central location supports the use of public transport.

It falls partly within the risk of floods 2, causing a flood risk assessment.

The assessment of the risk of bat included in the application has found a slight potential for feeding bats, and the proposal meets the requirements for the release from De minimis in accordance with the rules of net profit for biodiversity.

Pollution evaluation is also provided, although pollution is not suspected.

The proposed development will create a new residential unit for the market, while the existing commercial space will be reduced by 86 square meters due to the change in use.

However, commercial use on the ground floor must be maintained.

External changes in the building will include the addition of conservation -style lights and a new door to the northern elevation to provide access to an existing flat roof for plant maintenance.

Most read

The potential movement of external air units is also considered to be a reduction in visual impact on the Framwellgate Bridge.

With regard to the justification for the use of HMO, the app notes that the upper floors of nearby buildings have already been turned into HMOS.

The proposal is aligned with Plan Durham Plan and Plan Durham City Plan Plan Plan Plan, which support the use of homes over retail.